SPRING 2011

European Women’s Voice

The European Women’s Lobby (EWL) is the largest umbrella organisation of women’s associations in the European Union (EU), working to promote women’s rights and equality between women and men. EWL membership extends to organisations in all 27 EU member states and three of the candidate countries, as well as to 21 European-wide bodies, representing a total of more than 2500 organisations.

In this issue Violence against Women in the European Union

Op-ed Marginalisation and Othering: When ‘Violence against Women’ becomes a Cultural Matter p.03 ••• New Challenges, New Horizons p.06 ••• Turning a Bling Eye: Editorial: Hidden Violence By Rada Boric, Member of the Executive Committee of the European Women’s Lobby against Women in the EU It is a great pleasure for me, on behalf of tion to put an end to this phenomenon p.05 all members of the European Women’s on the part of the EU, which should take ••• Lobby (EWL), to introduce to you the a leadership role in protecting human very first edition of the European Wom- rights, including women’s rights. Structural Violence en’s Voice, the online thematic publica- and Structural tion of the EWL, dedicated to research The aim of this edition of the European Solutions and analysis articles on a given issue. We Women’s Voice is to present an update p.07 have decided to focus the first edition of of a diversity of research and analysis ad- the European Women’s Voice on violence dressing violence against women in the against women, an issue at the core of EU. The following pages demonstrate our activities and those of our member- how women’s rights face new challenges ship, which identified the struggle against and new forms of violence against wom- all forms of male violence against women en have appeared, but also how women’s as the number one priority of the EWL organisations are building new horizons over 2011-2015. Indeed, violence against of action towards a Europe free from women remains the most pervasive vio- male violence against women. Testimo- lation of women’s human rights -world nies and projects will open your eyes to wide and in all countries of the European hidden forms of violence against women, Union (EU). Every day, seven women die despite the illusion of a general aware- from male domestic violence in the EU. ness of the issue in Europe, and demon- The EWL consistently calls for decisive ac- strate the need for persistent and every-

1 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011 day vigilance and action on the part of binding instruments to criminally ad- hope that you will enjoy the intellectu- decision-makers. In addition, the - ar dress all forms of violence against al challenge of the articles that follow, ticles of the European Women’s Voice women and strengthen the protection and that reading through them will will provide insight into the structural of all women, a European Year on end- convince you of the urgency of action nature of violence against women and ing violence against women to raise and play a guiding role in defining en- highlight its deep roots in our patriar- awareness and foster prevention, as gaged policies, both at European and chal societies, arguing for structural well as substantial and sustainable EU national levels. solutions. funding to support service providers and build partnership with dedicated There is political momentum at the NGOs. EU level for European action to end violence against women: the European While the EU has taken the lead over Commission has committed to deliv- the last fifty years in promoting wom- ering an EU strategy and action plan, en’s rights related to employment, and both the European Parliament and a strong common policy on violence the Council of the EU have repeatedly against women is still missing. We stated their demands for an EU policy hope that the political work of civil framework on combating violence society organisations and growing evi- against women. The EWL has been dence of the gravity of this phenom- calling for years for such a comprehen- enon will lead to renewed political sive policy framework building on the courage to develop strong and com- international human rights definitions prehensive policies towards the reali- of violence against women. Such a sation of a Europe free from all forms framework should encompass legally- of male violence against all women. I Key dates: 1949: UN Convention for the Sup- the EU’ crimination against them pression of the Traffic in Persons and 2000: UN Protocol to Prevent, Sup- 2009: EP Written Declaration ‘Say NO the Exploitation of the Prostitution of press and Punish Trafficking in - Per to VAW’ Others sons, especially Women and Children 2010: EWL Position Paper ‘Towards a 1979: UN Convention on the Elimi- 2001: EWL report ‘Towards a Com- Europe Free from all Forms of Male nation of all Forms of Discrimination mon Framework to Monitor Progress VAW’ against Women in Combating VAW’ 2010: EC appoints Myria Vassiliadou, 1993: UN General Assembly Declara- 2003: UN Resolution on the Elimina- former EWL Secretary General, first tion on the Elimination of Violence tion of Domestic VAW EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator against Women (VAW) 2004: Spain passes a model law for 2010: EC Stockholm Action Plan com- 1994: International Conference on combating domestic violence mitting to deliver an EU Strategy on Population and Development and 2005: EWL starts coordination of the combating VAW ICPD Programme of Action Nordic Baltic Network’s Working To- 2010: EP Written Declaration on es- 1995: UN World Conference on gether project (2005-2008) tablishing a European Year of Com- Women & Beijing Platform for Action 2006: EP Resolution on the current bating VAW 1997: EWL founds an Observatory on situation in combating VAW and any 2010: Council Conclusions on the VAW future action Eradication of VAW in the EU 1999: Optional Protocol to the 1979 2006: Joint project of the Coalition 2011: EU Directive on combating UN Convention on the Elimination of against Trafficking in Women and trafficking in human beings all Forms of Discrimination against the EWL on Promoting Preventative 2011: Council of Europe Convention Women Measures to Combat Trafficking in on preventing and combating VAW 1999: Sweden criminalises the pur- Human Beings for Sexual Exploitation and domestic violence chase of sexual services 2007: EWL report ‘Reality Check: 2011: EP Resolution on a new EU pol- 1999: UN designates 25 November when women’s NGOs map policies icy framework to fight VAW as the International Day for the Elimi- and legislation on VAW in Europe’ 2011: EWL launches campaign ‘To- nation of VAW 2008: EU adopts Guidelines for de- gether for a Europe Free From Pros- 1999: EWL report ‘Unveiling the Hid- velopment cooperation on VAW and titution’ den Data on Domestic Violence in girls and combating all forms of dis- 2 3 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

Marginalisation and Othering: When ‘Violence against Women’ Becomes a Cultural Matter By Celeste Montoya (Assistant Professor, University of Colorado, Boulder) and Lisa Rolandsen Agustin (Pos- doctoral Researcher, Aalbord University)

Violence against women has been a While addressing the seriousness of the texts of policy documents as well recurring theme on the policy agenda violence against women belonging to as in particular programming practices. of the European Union (EU), showing marginalised groups is an important To examine this trend we focused on up as early as the 1980s in the form part of expanding women’s human three sites of policy discourse: 1) key of soft law European Parliamentary rights, this increased tendency to policy documents over the past three Resolutions and extending into more frame violence against women decades; 2) the Daphne programme, binding texts, funding and large- predominantly in cultural terms and 3) the EU accession process. sale initiatives since the turn of contributes to an ethnocentric and the Century. The issue of violence deterministic understanding of both With regards to general EU policy, against women has been discussed culture and violence against women. documents addressing violence and framed in many ways within This is problematic for two reasons: against women have come primarily the context of the EU: as a problem on the one hand, entire groups are from the European Parliament (in of male dominance and patriarchal stereotyped into a particular (violent) particular from its Committee on structures in society, as a violation of image and the othering of already Women’s Rights and Gender Equality women’s human rights and as a matter marginalised groups is exacerbated; on – now FEMM, previously WRC) and of public ill-health. A relatively new the other hand, cultural explanations the European Commission. These very trend in EU policy discourse is the tend to de-emphasise the pervasive different institutional contexts have framing of violence against women in and gendered nature of violence had important implications for the almost exclusively cultural terms. For against women. In our research on way in which violence against women example, increased emphasis has been policy development within the field has been framed. The earliest policies placed on ‘customary and harmful of EU policies on violence against came in the form of soft law. The practices’, such as honour killings and women, we have found evidence of 1986 ‘Resolution on Violence against female genital circumcision. this rhetorical framing increasingly in Women’ and the 1997 ‘Resolution 2 3 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011 on the Need to Establish a European- groups of women differently. Rather This document is designed to guide Wide Campaign for Zero Tolerance than focusing exclusively on ‘cultural Member States in addressing violence on Violence against Women’ were communities’ it calls on Member against women in their external both authored in the Parliament’s States to have regard for ‘the specific relations with other countries. This WRC with strongly feminist framings circumstances of certain categories alone frames violence against women of violence against women. Both of women who are particularly as a problem predominantly found refer to the pervasive and universal vulnerable to violence’ and includes and needing to be addressed in non- occurrence of violence against within this list ‘women belonging to European cultures. women. To the extent that differences minorities, female immigrants, female between women are recognised, both refugees, women living in poverty in Analyses of the Daphne programme Resolutions acknowledge the different rural or isolated communities, women and the accession process provide positionality of women from minority in prison or other institutions, girls, examples of how the Commission groups. While there is some troubling homosexuals, women with disabilities, puts the framings of violence against language regarding ‘female genital and older women’. women into practice. The Daphne mutilation’, the primary concerns programme is, arguably, one of raised are not framed in cultural Key policy documents from the Europe’s most important capacity- terms, but relate to the situation of European Commission include the building programmes aimed at economic and legal dependence of ‘Roadmap for Equality between combating violence against women migrant women on their husbands Women and Men (2006-2010)’, the and children. It has provided millions as well as their potential isolation 2008 ‘Guidelines on Violence against of Euros to advocacy organisations in the host society. Both documents Women’, and the ‘Strategy for Equality and efforts across the EU, including highlight gender inequality as the between Women and Men (2010- organisations in candidate states. In main basis of violence against women 2015)’. The Roadmap lists violence Daphne, we see a contradiction in how and as something that exists in all against women as one of the primary issues are prioritised in programme societies. However, migrant women issues needing to be addressed documents and in actual funding experiencing violence are considered in relation to gender equality. allocations. We see the same trend to be particularly vulnerable because However, it provides a very narrow in increasing ethnocentric cultural of their dependency and isolation. conceptualisation of violence against discourse and at the same time there Thus, breaking the violence cycle may women, with a primary emphasis on is decreased funding for projects that require specific measures as it could ‘customary and traditional harmful might serve to effectively address prove to be more difficult for isolated practices’ in general, and ‘female the particular needs of marginalised or marginalised women to escape genital mutilation’ in particular. groups. The shift in discourse for the violence. Broader forms of violence against most recent phases of Daphne is first women (such as domestic violence) are and foremost seen in the broadening More recent Parliamentary Resolutions rendered invisible. The ‘Strategy for of the scope from a programme to stand in sharp contrast, particularly the Equality between Women and Men’ ‘Prevent and Combat Violence against 2006 ‘Resolution on Current Situations refers to different kinds of violence Children, Young People and Women’ in Combating Violence against Women against women but emphasises ‘female to also include ‘and to Protect Victims and Any Future Action’. Over half of genital mutilation’ which is singled and Groups at Risk’. Accompanying this document focuses on ‘cultural out as the primary key action within this shift, legislation, annual work violence’, including ‘female genital the field: ‘The Commission will adopt programmes, and calls for projects mutilation’, ‘crimes of honour’, and an EU-wide strategy on combating increasingly emphasise and prioritise ‘forced marriages’, couched in strong violence against women that will aim, projects aimed at addressing ‘violence language that treats marginalised for instance, at eradicating female or abuse linked to harmful traditions, groups as cultural outsiders who may genital mutilation.’ In contradiction practices (e.g. female genital need special help until they adopt to these relatively narrowly framed mutilation, forced marriage or forced more European norms on violence discussions of violence against sexual relationships, “honour killings”)’. against women. A 2009 Resolution women, the European Commission’s Diverging from this rhetorical trend calling for a Commission-run ‘Say 2008 Guidelines is one of the EU’s are the patterns of funding allocation. No to Violence against Women most thorough and comprehensive Projects addressing violence against Campaign’ however, appears to return documents addressing violence against ethnic/racial minorities, migrants, and to a more balanced and promising women, laying out explicit roles and refugees reached a high point around feminist framing of violence against responsibilities of EU institutions and 2001-2003, when they represented women as a widespread and universal Member States in combating violence almost half of all projects funded. problem, but one that may impact against women… in other countries. After 2003, a dramatic decrease is

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detected and by 2008 and 2009 only creates a false dichotomy between In sum, recognising differences is 10% of projects were aimed at related broader forms of violence against crucial for developing policies that marginalised groups. Thus, the rhetoric women and ‘cultural’ forms of violence effectively address the violation of the Daphne programme reflects against women. For example, domestic of women’s human rights through the ethnocentric cultural discourse violence or sexual harassment are violent practices. In addressing these on violence against women found in almost never discussed in cultural differences however, it is necessary other EU documents, and falls short in terms or related to particular cultural to avoid cultural framings of violence the one way that it could potentially traditions or the ethnic origin of the against women that reemphasises address difference in a meaningful and majority. On the other hand, the the differences between insiders and positive way, namely through project impression which remains is that outsiders, or between ‘us’ and ‘them’. funding. ethnic minority women are victims of Counteracting gender inequalities culturally-related forms of violence while, at the same time, reinforcing Our research on European enlargement but not of broader forms of violence other forms of oppression such as and the accession process also against women, such as domestic between ethnic majorities and ethnic shows problematic application of violence for example. Exceptions to minorities does not help women in cultural violence frames. An analysis this general trend come, perhaps not general nor those who suffer from of accession progress reports shows surprisingly, from civil society actors: violent oppression. Rather, it can that candidate countries which are in a 2007 Position Paper in relation be considered an exclusionary form perceived as particularly different from to the girl-child, for instance, the of intersectionality practice as it the EU in cultural terms are scrutinised European Women’s Lobby discusses contributes to the creation of cultural in more detail in the monitoring of pornography as a cultural element and stereotypes and the stigmatisation of policies on violence against women. a trait of European society leading to certain groups. In other words, the This is the case with countries with an image of girls in the public sphere culturalisation of certain forms of different religious traditions than the which may enhance violence against violence against women contributes majority of EU Member States, such women. to the othering of marginalised groups as Turkey and the Western Balkans. and it takes away from gendered These findings are related to another Now, the question remains how understandings of violence against general trend in EU policies on violence we can address different kinds of women by emphasising the cultural against women, namely conceiving violence against women in policies element. The aim of establishing the problem as a foreign one which without stigmatising certain groups. specific programmes to target originates outside the borders of the Theoretically, the challenge consists certain vulnerable groups could be EU. In other words, a distinction is in balancing between universality overshadowed by the negative effects created between the non-Europeans, and intersectionality: violence against of cultural framings, i.e. creating who are related with violence against women is a universal phenomenon prejudices towards entire collectives women, and the Europeans, who are because women across socioeconomic based on cultural assumptions. not. In this way, European culture is status and ethnic backgrounds can differentiated from barbaric forms of become victims. At the same time, the violence pertaining to the outsiders or problem poses different challenges for the immigrants. This implies, in turn, a women depending on their specific This article is based on a cultural superiority and it makes other situation and background. Thus, leaving common study concerning the forms of violence against women, such a violent relationship, which may in cultural framings of violence as battering, seem less urgent and itself be a tremendous challenge, can against women in EU policies barbaric. be further hindered or facilitated by and initiatives. Part of the the resources, employment situation research was carried out in As the EU moves closer to adopting and networks, for example, which the relation to the QUING project, binding legislation regarding violence individual woman count on. In other funded under the European against women, through the address of words, it is imperative to combine the Commission’s 6th Framework domestic violence in the Lisbon Treaty universal protection of women’s rights Programme. and recent discussions aimed at the with the consideration of women’s development of a European protection differentiated positions in society in our order and crisis hotlines, it is troubling approach to the problem of violence For more information, see: to consider the implications this against women. This is not least true www.ecprnet.eu/sg/ecpg/ potential important legislation may for the formulation of policies such as documents/papers/A-K/ have if it continues in the trend of those at the EU level. AgustinL.pdf culturalised discourse. This discourse

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New Challenges, New Horizons

Violence against women is taking on new and different forms, challenging women’s organisa- tions in their work to raise awareness on the pervasiveness of this phenomenon. We face new challenges in the way violence against women is trivialised, be it through the pornification of the public sphere, which renders public policies fighting violence against women difficult, the development of counter-productive men’s movements, or the veiling of the violence inherent in the system of prostitution. Women’s organisations have therefore developed new strate- gies to counteract these phenomena, from fostering discussion on violence against women and change in public opinion to denouncing hotels offering pornography. Today, we face new challenges for women’s rights, but benefit from new horizons for action and positive change towards equality!

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The Last Gasps of the Pro-Prosti- tution Camp in France?

Michèle Vianès, Vice-President of the French Coordination for the European Women’s Lobby (CLEF), President of Regards de Femmes, France In France, the pro-prostitution groups A conference at the Hôtel de Ville in At the same time, we saw a service have at regular intervals, attempted Paris (left-wing): ‘Disability: affection, called ‘sensual clean service’ being set to win over the public to their cause. sexuality, dignity’, was supported by up. It is presented as entertainment Recently, two attempts have hit the those who wanted to make official a but sens ‘young sexy and sensual wo- headlines, both of which are clearly ‘right to’ prostitution, which was hypo- men’ to one’s home. These ‘services’, motivated by financial interests. One critically renamed ‘sexual (or emotio- according to the terms and conditions, was initiated by associations of disa- nal) support services’. are not allowed to take place where bled people families to get the use of children are present and only within sexual services included in disability Women’s organisations strongly op- the clients’ homes. These ‘French grants paid by the State, the other by posed this attempt. Roselyne Ba- maids’ are presented in underwear an individual entrepreneur who has chelot, Minister for Women’s Rights and the advertisement quite clearly set up a company offering ‘sexy French was strongly against the move. Fem- suggests services of a sexual nature maid at home’ services. mes pour le dire, femmes pour agir are on offer.1 (FDFA), an association of women and In this first case, the request for ‘sexual men with disabilities, members of the The conditions of these ‘services’ assistants’ for people with disabilities French Coordination of the European clearly show that they submit these was based on a call for charity, paid Women’s Lobby (CLEF), was not invited ‘employees’ (presented as ‘our girls’) charity! The pro-prostitution lobbyists to take part but made their objection to solicitations and sexual harassment were supported by politicians from the public with the support of the CLEF. which the ‘services’ clearly aim at or- left and the right who chose to forget FDFA welcomes the increased aware- ganising and encouraging. What’s the quote of George Sand: ‘Charity de- ness of the sexual and emotional life of more, the hourly rate of €75 to €150 grades those who receive it and har- people with disabilities within society, dens those who dispense it.’ but using prostitution whatever guise 1 The businessman took down his internet website following the case before the Public it might take, cannot for any reason be Prosecutor brought by Regards de Femmes A Member of Parliament from the a solution. The answer is not additio- and there was no longer any trace of this President’s party (right-wing) wanted nal paid services, but accessibility to initiaitve on the internet. For more information to introduce a Bill that would see the professional and leisure activities for see the following article: http://www.lyonmag. salary of ‘sexual assistants’ covered by persons with disabilities, and more op- com/article/21882/sensual-clean-services- regards-de-femmes-saisit-le-procureur-de-la- the disability grants paid by the state. portunities to meet people. rA-publique-de-lyon 6 7 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011 according to the promotional material and physical appearance which was prostitution for anyone who wishes to on the internet far exceeds the usual advertised on the internet. get out of prostitution. rate of pay for household cleaners. But the report and recommendations The association interviewed the La- of the Parliamentary information servi- As these services were offered in the bour Inspection on the employer’s ce2 on prostitution, as well as the sup- county where the organisation Re- compliance with the entertainment port of the Minister for the criminalisa- gards de Femmes is based, the asso- employment laws, and on the use tion of prostitution-users have created ciation condemned the reproduction by the ‘clients’, by abuse of rights or an outcry by all arch-conservatives. of archaic models: using money to turn fraud, of socio-fiscal advantages for This not only takes away a ‘right’ from women into objects and to encourage domestic workers and carers, with the men to use women’s bodies to satisfy male domination – the old-fashioned pertaining risk of sanctions. their sexual urges, but they are also out-of-date images portrayed by this trying to pretend that the paid women type of website pollute the sexual ima- At the beginning of media coverage of are free to make their own choices. ge of young people as well as the not- this case, the businessman boasted, Whereas, what is at the core of prosti- so-young. even threatened, that he would file a tution is that the sexual act would not complaint against the feminists who take place if no payment took place. At the same time, Regards de femmes opposed his ‘freedom to set up a bu- used all the legal tools available to siness’, but after the case, when a pro- It is urgent that in France today we in- them. The association brought these cedure was very quickly put in place troduce laws to prohibit payment for matters before the Public Prosecutor, by the relevant legal bodies, the bu- sexual acts if we want to fight effecti- susceptible of coming under the act of sinessman declared having closed his vely against patriarchal traditions and procuring, with the ensuing criminal/ website and his business. the violence they generate. legal consequences for the organiza- tion of this network and their ‘clients’ It is therefore high-time that the French who must be totally aware of what Members of Parliament propose a bill 2 Chaired by Danielle Bousquet (PS), with they are purchasing. The association which would criminalize prostitution- Guy Geoffroy (UMP), rapporteur Article du also drew attention to the employ- users, abolish soliciting and establish Monde ‘ La prostitution n’est pas une fatalité ‘ ment discrimination based on age, sex effective policies for alternatives to http://www.daniellebousquet.fr/article/ articleview/1051/1/277/

Retro-sexism – how the media use sexist representations in an humor- istic way… and make them seem ‘in’

Women’s organisations have for decades been drawing attention to the impact of sexist advertising on people’s rep- resentations of the roles and relationships between women and men. Whether consciously or subconsciously, sexist stereotypes and representations in the media, advertising and virtual spheres both reproduce the patriarchal structure of our societies and contribute to its perpetuation, through the representation of women as commodities, in male- dependent or family-dependent roles (victim or sexual object, sacrificial wife or mother...). Sexism in the media has therefore been recognised as a form of violence against women, for it trivialises attitudes that allow for men’s domina- tion over women.

There is however a new trend in communication strategies: retro-sexism. Retro-sexism consists of modern attitudes and behaviors that mimic or glorify sexist aspects of the past, often in an ironic way. In her book ‘The Rise of Enlightened Sexism’, Susan Douglas has drawn attention to this worrying phenomenon: ‘While we think we are in on the joke, the reality is they aren’t making fun of or pointing out sexism, they’re doing it. Remember advertisers have one goal that’s to sell you a product. […] The easiest way to do this is to use sexist representations that replicate the status quo and don’t challenge anything. Marketers love the uber ironic sexist style of advertising because they can use all the racist, sexist, misogynist imagery they want and simultaneously distance themselves from it with a little wink and a nod.’

Retro-sexism is based on the widespread belief that we have reached equality and plays with this illusion that women have equal rights to men, in order to use the sexist representations while not being accused of sexism. ‘Enlightened sex- ism insists that women have made plenty of progress because of feminism — indeed, full equality has allegedly been achieved — so now it’s OK, even amusing, to resurrect sexist stereotypes of girls and women. After all, these images can’t undermine women at this late date, right?’ The struggle against sexism in the media has gained renewed urgency!

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Strength by Nathalie Daoust (Shortlisted for EWL Photo #talkaboutit Competition 2010) By Olga Persson, Association Secretary The Swedish Association of Women’s Shelters and Young Women’s Empowerment Centres, SKR In connection with a discussion regard- have been subjected to acts of sexual also the right given by those around ing the media coverage of the Assange assault and rape which are perceived them – friends, family, people they case,1 Swedish journalist Johanna Kol- as being in a grey area. Sometimes know, their boyfriend or girlfriend and jonen started to tweet, openly and in- they are expressions of a constant even themselves. The people involved timately, about her own experiences mental, physical and sexual violence know that lines have been crossed, or of drawing lines and negotiating grey in a steady relationship. But they may they would not describe the situation areas in sexual situations. Hundreds of also be something which happened as a grey area. In many cases, the act people followed Koljonen’s example on with an acquaintance at a party after of assault is also an act of rape, accord- Twitter under the hashtag #prataom- initial mutual consent – or in a steady ing to the law. But the silence makes it det (‘#talkaboutit’). As a result, several relationship which is otherwise free difficult to talk about it to others. The Swedish magazines, newspapers and from violence and assault. silence prevents healing and makes other media outlets published articles the destructive power structures and on the subject. In a matter of days, in- Many stories, mainly those which norms invisible. ternational media, such as The Guard- reach the young girls’ empowerment ian, Die Welt, BBC World Service, Nor- centres, are similar to those described It is up to each of us to ensure that way’s Dagbladet, Finland’s Helsingin in #talkaboutit. They often describe an having sex feels right for everyone in- Sanomat, and others have followed isolated assault which leaves its mark volved before, during and afterwards. suit. on the individual’s sexuality. The over- #talkaboutit shows, as does the- ex all collective perception of sexual as- perience of women’s shelters and When everyone ‘talks about it’, sault leaves its mark on society and on young girls’ empowerment centres, power structures become appa- our attitudes towards women, men, that many people are afraid of being rent power and sex. seen as being difficult, or of making the situation worse. For this reason, it SKR likes #talkaboutit. When many The most important thing for the cen- is important to understand your sexual people ‘talk about it’, power structures tres is to counter the sense of guilt partner’s signals. Everything that fol- become apparent. We can then lessen and shame a woman often feels over lows a no, and also everything that feelings of guilt and shame and discuss what she has been subjected to. Many takes place before consent is clearly the norms relating to gender and sexu- women realise that they have been given, is an act of assault. We must ality which follow us all the way into the victims of an assault, but they also work hard to make sure that guilt and the bedroom. know that their story will be met with the fear of being seen as difficult do ridicule, scepticism and accusations or not prevent us from exercising our Every day, staff and volunteers at blame. self-evident right to say stop when sex women’s shelters and young girls’ em- does not feel right. This applies to girls powerment centres meet people who The women and young girls who con- and boys, women and men. We can- tact us are often unsure about their not bring about change unless we talk 1 Wikileaks founder Julien Assange faces two right and ability to set limits; by ‘right’ about it! charges of rape in Sweden. we mean not only the right by law, but 8 9 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

Women’s Shelters Invest in Porn Free Hotels

Roks, The National Organisation for Women’s and Young Women’s Shelters in Sweden

For many years Roks, The National Organisation for Authorities and organisations that book porn free Women’s and Young Women’s Shelters in Sweden, hotel stays can also use the logo to demonstrate has taken vigorous measures against pornography, that they renounce pornography. as a part of the work against sexual exploitation of women. Now the organisation initiates a campaign Today approximately 150 hotels and conference to make it easier for customers to choose porn free centers in Sweden are porn free. Roks chairwom- hotels in Sweden and Europe. This Spring, Roks an Angela Beausang hopes that the new logo will launches a brand new quality label - the logo ‘Porn revitalise the project and make the interest spread Free’ - that hotels can use to advertise that their ho- across Europe: ‘Today almost all Swedish authori- tel or conference center is free from pornography. ties and organisations book porn free for their em- ployees and guests. We hope that this trend will The quality label ‘Porn Free’ guarantees that the find its way to the European Institutions as well. In hotel offers their guests a stay free from expo- addition, I am sure that an increasing number of sure to pornography on TV, DVD and pay-TV. Since individuals will seek this possibility.’ 2002, guests who prefer porn-free hotels have been able to find such lodgings online, through In the future, the Porn Free certification can also a website hosted by Roks. This spring the work be used in other businesses, such as grocery stores for more porn free hotels will expand. As a hotel and movie stores. owner, you can now promote your position by adorning your homepage with a ‘Porn Free’ logo.

10 11 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011 Male Domestic Violence against Women and the Threat of the Separated Fathers’ Movement in Italy By Oria Gargano, Italian Expert to the EWL Observatory on Violence against Women

Feminicide in the family take place when a woman, with great or husbands, with the purpose of effort and courage, decides to end the developing a strong political agenda. In Italy, a woman is killed by her relationship with her abusive partner. These organisations aim at restoring partner, former partner or a family Too often, a violent man does not traditional social roles for women member every two to three days. This accept being left behind and losing and men, through revenge discourse represents the highest incidence of control over his victim.2 According to against women, and very smartly use death from male domestic violence our traditional patriarchal culture, it the recent trend of ‘story-telling’ in death in the European Union. This is a shame for a man to be left by his the media to gain public attention and feminicide is the result of centuries of wife. Moreover, his disappointment is compassion. male violence against women in Italy. likely emphasised by the comments Figures keep on demonstrating the of friends and relatives, and can Such organisations use many strategies prevalence of such murders: in 2007, grow until it turns into a murderous to reach their goals. The first consists the media reported 107 incidents of rampage. of widely referring to mass media this type; 112 in 2008 and 119 in 2009.1 and public opinion, and using new TV However, such feminicide is not shows to complain about the results of Interestingly, figures on violence recognised as a clear form of male their divorce or separation procedure, against women on an annual basis violence against women and does not arguing that they are not allowed to can be found only through women’s lead to strong convictions rates for see their daughters and sons after organisations, because in Italy there murderers. Italy has not yet developed the decision of the Civil, Criminal or Roks, The National Organisation for Women’s and Young Women’s Shelters in Sweden is no data collected by the Ministry a National Action Plan on violence Juvenile Court. But these separated of Interior or Ministry of Justice, or against women, despite its ratification fathers are silent on the reasons that Authorities and organisations that book porn free by any kind of official institution. The of several international women’s rights determine the major limitations to hotel stays can also use the logo to demonstrate reported data, though impressive, is instruments such as CEDAW and the their visiting rights: such limitations that they renounce pornography. therefore not exhaustive, and reflects Beijing Platform for Action. are decreed only when the father was a lack of political interest from the abusive and demonstrated violent Today approximately 150 hotels and conference public authorities. The only official Fathers’ movements on the rise: behaviour towards his partner and his centers in Sweden are porn free. Roks chairwom- research on violence against women a symptom of Italy’s patriarchal child/children. Fathers’ organisations an Angela Beausang hopes that the new logo will was realised in 2007 by the National identity? abusively use the gender equality revitalise the project and make the interest spread Institute of Statistics – ISTAT. According argument, by stating that children across Europe: ‘Today almost all Swedish authori- to this data, 10 million women in Italy In addition to this very visible form should be equally looked after by ties and organisations book porn free for their em- are suffering or have suffered male of male violence against women, both parents, whatever has happened ployees and guests. We hope that this trend will violence; only 7% of them reported many women see a new form of before the separation. In these find its way to the European Institutions as well. In it, and only 2% are supported by male domination which is subtly situations, the media and the general addition, I am sure that an increasing number of women’s groups that help women developing over recent years and public tend to support the ‘poor man’ individuals will seek this possibility.’ victims of violence, supporting them aims at creating new forms of male and to stigmatise women, and the in re-building their lives, helping them control over women’s lives and discussion focuses on how women In the future, the Porn Free certification can also in legal terms and providing them with rights. New organisations are being have become too assertive, therefore be used in other businesses, such as grocery stores rooms in shelters, if the situation is set up gathering divorced fathers putting men in a state of confusion. and movie stores. particularly dire. Italian public opinion still tends to The vast majority of these killings 2 Eva Lundgren has developed research on think that ‘a bad father is better than this ‘process of normalisation’ of domestic 1 Casa delle donne per non subire violenza - violence; http://genderingviolence.soc.uu.se/ no father at all...’ Bologna Keynotes/Eva_Lundgren/ 10 11 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

Such ‘equality’ argumentation is According to its author (Gardner, law in case of severe male violence, broadly used in court too, when judges 1985), the ‘Syndrome’ is the result but it has not been approved. This have to decide on parental rights and of ‘programming’ or ‘brainwashing’ means that fathers are prohibited to analyse the history of the couple. Such attempts by a parent on her/his child or see their children only in very dramatic fathers’ organisations support their children, with the aim of ‘denigrating’ situations. members by developing theories on and ‘vilifying’ the other parent.4 the ‘symmetry of domestic violence’,3 Fortunately, academics deny that this The solidarity given to these ‘poor according to which perpetrators of syndrome exists and has scientific fathers’ is so strong that the mayor violence are as likely to be female relevance or value. Unfortunately, of Rome has instituted ‘Houses for as male, therefore getting rid of such arguments seem to be more separated fathers’, mini apartments the broader analysis of socially popular than the feminist analysis for which they pay only a very small constructed roles for women and men of male domination, and convince rent of €200 per month for a fully and the unequal power balance that many people in a society where we equipped apartment, including night still prevails in all spheres of society. tend to privilege individual emotional guard service, and the availability of a stories to mobilisation against societal psychologist every day. This measure Such vicious strategies seem to dynamics of oppression. costs the City of Rome €346.347 per gain support amongst the public. year, an amount that could be directed There is already strong criticism of As a result, some women report to preventing domestic violence. judges who entrust children to their questioning of their complaints against Women’s NGOs see such policies as mothers in such cases. Mothers are violent partners and many are unsure problematic because they are not accused by their partners of lying in that the law is supporting them. This accompanied by a reiteration of alleging experience of violence and is very problematic, as it shows how support to women’s NGOs and service of ‘inventing’ child abuse in order some individuals can challenge the providers for women victims of male to obtain more favourable divorce implementation of the law and the domestic violence. conditions. This approach also impacts perception that people have of the on the work of judges and provokes issue of violence against women. The Italian institutions and politicians unease at the decision to prohibit a continue to privilege the only legally violent father to see his children; such Moreover, some cases result in shared recognised form of family based on decisions are taken in very serious visiting rights, which oblige both heterosexual marriage, with roles and cases, and judges must continue to parents to adapt in order to allow tasks strictly divided between husband guarantee women’s rights and human children to spent equal time with them. and wife, and to develop policies rights, whatever the popular pressure. This often leads to women having which aim at keeping family members It is a crucial question of social justice. to change their life plans because of together, despite significant research the need to ensure stability for the showing that the family is host to On 30 June 2005, the European Court children (in particular with regards to major violence against women and of Human Rights in Strasbourg ruled schooling). Fathers’ lobbies played a children. against a father from Naples, who was great role in the adoption of Law 54 in appealing the decision taken at Italian 2006 on ‘shared entrustment’ in case This is a very dangerous time for level to limit his child visitation rights of separation. According to this law, women’s rights in Italy, and the due to risk of sexual abuse (he had children remain under the parental movement of separated fathers been convicted of abusing his child authority of both mother and father, emphasises the uncertainty of together with three other men). The and the separated parents must the rights gained by the feminist lobby of separated fathers considered decide together on the most relevant movement. Italian culture and the sentence ‘scandalous’, despite the issues regarding their children’s life civilisation are likely to go back many evidence of the man’s crime. and education. Of course, this is years... possible only when the parents have Moreover, ‘scientific’ arguments the capacity of maintaining good are mobilised to counteract the relations. But this law is applied also women’s rights’ perspective in when the father was found guilty of ill trials. In many courts, during the treatment, and even of child-abuse. A separation, husbands’ lawyers appeal recent bill was drafted by the Left to to the so-called Parental Alienation exclude the implementation of this Syndrome (and other similar terms). 4 See http://lnx.papaseparati.org/psitalia/ 3 See John Archer, http://psycnet.apa.org/ pas/studio-di-gardner-sulla-pas-la-sindrome- journals/bul/126/5/651/ di-alienazione-genitoriale-2.html 12 13 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011 The Purity Movement in Bed with Playboy... By Julie Bindel, Journalist, UK

Hopping mad, by Guy Bell, GBPhotos.com What do supporters of the ‘abstinence’ flatter and serve male customers, pro- physical violence. One in six girls sur- or ‘purity’ movement (a fast growing ponents of sexual purity put forward veyed said they had been pressured campaign across Europe and the USA the idea that girls be taught to “just into sexual intercourse and one in 16 which is also linked to the so-called say no” in order to reduce the num- said they had been raped.1 ‘pro-life’ campaign with a core aim to bers of teenage pregnancies and sexu- stop young people having sex unless ally transmitted infections. Something needs to be done. The sex- they enter a heterosexual marriage) ualisation of young girls and the con- have in common with Hugh Heffner, Purity movement supporters clearly tinued normalisation of pornography head of the Playboy Empire? Neither believe that girls alone should be the within popular culture is a reality, and can provide a template for decent, re- ones to take responsibility for them- one we cannot brush under the carpet. sponsible sex education for the young selves when research shows that many The UK has the highest percentage of people of today. are abused and coerced into sex by teenage pregnancies in Western Eu- boys and young men. The University of rope – and is second only to the United Whilst Heffner prepared for the open- Bristol in conjunction with a UK-based States, according to the World Health ing of his Playboy Club in London in children’s charity found that one third which women will be dressed as bun- of teenage girls in a relationship suffer 1 Barter, C., McCarry, M., Berridge, D. and nies and expected to visually titillate, unwanted sexual acts and one quarter Evans, K. Partner exploitation and violence in teenage intimate relationships, NSPCC, 2009.

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Organisation.2 when men had their porn delivered in dorsed the opening of a Playboy Club. brown paper envelopes. But with its But in these so-called post-feminist A sensible approach would be to im- clever marketing strategies and now times, such an event is now viewed as prove our sex education in schools, but venue dedicated to its brand, it will something totally inoffensive and even the anti-abortion, pro-purity lobby -ar rejoin the bigger players in perpetuat- empowering to women. Poll dancing gue that talking openly about sex can ing the message that women are play- classes masquerading as ‘exercise’ are only encourage children to experiment things for men. The respectable image marketed to girls as young as ten, and with it earlier. A 2010 government re- of the club will bring further legitimacy one department store in London has view of how the subject is broached in to the notion that porn is harmless fun. a range of make-up for pre-pubescent schools recommended that sex educa- girls on display. Women are dismiss- tion should be a compulsory part of The average teenager, a 2009 the sur- ing feminism as ‘old hat’ but queuing the national curriculum in primary and vey found, claims to watch 90 minutes up it would seem, to take part in the secondary schools3 but the plan pro- of porn a week,5 and yet porn is harm- Slut Walks that have been organised voked controversy among some faith- ful to girls and boys, men and women. around the world in protest of a po- based groups. In the meantime, a sur- Those who use it are changed by it, as lice officer’s comments in which he vey of over 400 pupils, aged 14 to 17 in it becomes acceptable in the minds of blamed rape on the way the victims the south and west of England found the consumers to treat all women in dress. Feminism should not be about that almost one third learn about sex the way they see the women in por- celebrating a word invented by misog- from porn.4 nography. It becomes OK for them to ynistic men, but these days aspiring to view women as sexual objects. When be a ‘slut’ appears to be more popular The opening of the Playboy Club has men treat women as sexual objects, than following in the footsteps of Suf- pushed my feminist button every bit as they do not relate to them as human fragettes. hard as the purity movement and its ill- beings and begin to think it is fine to informed, unfair and sexist comments. treat them like a commodity.6 There are still some feminists with the Playboy is a multi-million pound, multi- right idea. Object9, a campaign group national porn empire which makes its Teenage boys and girls often feel pres- that protests against the ‘hypersexu- money out of exploiting and degrading surised to have lots of sex, often emo- alisation’ of culture, and views porn as women. Hugh Hefner, now 86 but still tionally detached, at a younger and degrading to women, planned a dem- bragging about bedding 18 year-old younger age, and increasing numbers onstration outside the Playboy Club on women, was at the launch. of young women feel obligated to opening night. I will be there. please men sexually because they be- The new venue is designed in a way lieve that it is their role.7 Hugh Hefner once said, in an interview that looks like an ideal venue for James about the history of Playboy: “I think Bond and other suave Gentlemen. The Many young men and boys have it simply became clear that the clubs publicist tells me that ‘top A-list celeb- watched fairly hard-core pornography themselves were no longer working. rities, sportspeople and London’s elite’ before they have sexual encounters.8 And we were suffering quite frankly in was there on opening night. Some develop a repulsion of women’s the 80s from a very unfriendly political bodies on discovery that they were not climate for the magazine.” He meant Playboy Magazine was founded in as clean-shaven and perfect as those feminism. I want him to say that again, 1953. Its logo is now found on calen- depicted in porn, and that real sex was very soon. And I want the purity move- dars, air fresheners for cars, children’s nothing like the sex depicted in por- ment to say nothing at all, ever again, pencil cases, clothing, women’s watch- nography. Hugh Heffner can be cred- about girls being responsible for the es, bed linen, cushions, expensive gift ited with making porn respectable. sexual misconduct of men. chocolates and mobile phone covers. Whilst magazine sales have dwindled, In the 1970s and 80s – the heyday of the Playboy brand grows stronger each the Women’s Liberation Movement - year. no respected celebrity would have en-

Playboy is a throwback to a bygone era 5 Idem. 6 See http://www.angelfire.com/art/ 2 See http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_ antipornography/facts.html news/7911684.stm and http://www.ncbi.nlm. 7 Chyng S., Counterpunch, New York nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1123322/ University, 2005 3 UK Department of Health, 2010. 8 Johansson, T. & Hammarén, N., Hegemonic 4 See http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/ Masculinity and Pornography: Young people’s joepublic/2009/mar/30/teenagers-porn-sex- attitudes toward and relations to pornography, education The journal of Men’s Studies 15(1), 2007. 9 http://www.object.org.uk 14 15 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

Turning a Blind Eye: Hidden Violence against Women in the European Union

The women’s movement has been key to ensuring that all forms of male violence against women are recognised as such, and that ‘private’ matters related to violence against women are addressed in public debates and policies. Despite increased awareness and, to some ex- tent, better policies, some forms of violence against women are still not talked about, or even hidden due to prevalent taboos, fear or ignorance. It is a priority of women’s organisations to make visible and clarify such forms of violence, such as that faced by Roma women, migrant women, undocumented women, women in prison, women at work or women living in post- conflict regions. It is time to open our eyes and face the pervasiveness of violence against women, in all EU member states.

Photo: Silence Nevermore by Stella Pellegrini (Finalist, EWL Photo Competition 2010)

14 15 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011 Recognising the Rights of Undo- cumented Migrant Women: an Urgent Priority for the European Women’s Movement By Eve Geddie, Programme Officer PICUM - Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants ‘The fact that these women Despite their unprotected status and and should be treated as women first haven’t got a residence permit in heightened exposure to ill-treatment, and foremost. The only concern of the Sweden does not deprive them numerous administrative and finan- public administration, the police, the of the rights that women have cial barriers prevent undocumented hospitals, and most importantly of been fighting for over the past women experiencing gender-based women’s shelters and support servi- violence from accessing shelters and ces, should always be the best interest 100 years. In the struggle to rein- other support services in Europe. The- of migrant women as outlined in inter- force and sustain all women’s se difficulties significantly compound national human rights standards. rights, without separating any- their experience of violence and also body by skin colour, nationality send a clear message to abusers that The current impunity existing for vio- and/or citizenship, undocumen- they are a ‘zero risk’ victim whom per- lence and human rights abuses against ted migrant women are ignored petrators can coerce to engage in de- undocumented migrant women and because of racial and patriarchal grading or exploitative acts, or threa- girls is incoherent with the obligation structures within our society.’ ten to denounce if they seek police of feminist organisations to address - ‘Ain’t I a Woman!’ Campaign for assistance. gender-inequalities. There is an urgent undocumented migrant women’s need to reaffirm the right of all wo- right to protection.1 With nowhere to turn to for help, un- men, providing equal support and pro- documented women are disproportio- tection regardless of the status of the nately exposed to physical and sexual victim. Discriminatory practices exis- Promoting and protecting the rights abuse, and trafficking for forced la- ting in services to support survivors of of migrant women with an unsecure bour or sex. By sanctioning the remo- violence must urgently be identified or irregular status is an urgent priority val of support, protection and justice and removed. Those failing to support for the European women’s movement. for victims on grounds of their status, migrant women on grounds of their Access to basic rights and services is national governments and public insti- administrative status are compliant in increasingly manipulated to control tutions are actively fostering a culture the physical, sexual and psychological irregular migration, and across Europe, of impunity, sending a clear message abuse of this group by those who take public institutions are incited to join in to perpetrators that undocumented advantage of their limited options. this oppression. Police stations, hos- migrant women warrant neither hu- pitals, and public administrations are mane nor impartial treatment as their common locations at which the pursuit irregular status supersedes their most and control of migrants’ administrative fundamental human rights. Such poli- status occur. Shamefully however, tho- cies are incoherent with human rights se providing essential and lifesaving principles and also risk undercutting support to survivors of violence, such positive initiatives existing elsewhere as NGOs, women’s shelters, and sup- in society to combat discrimination port services, are also engaged in the and address gender-based violence policing, forced destitution, and insti- and exploitation of women. tutional violence against undocumen- ted migrant women. Under the principle of non-discrimi- nation, undocumented women are 1 Available in English, Swedish and Spanish entitled to the same treatment and at http://aintiawomankampanjen.wordpress. com/ rights as national or resident women 16 17 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

Photo by Dragana Jurisic (Shortlisted for EWL Photo Competittion 2010) Married Migrant Women and Fear of Loss of Legal Status in Finland

By Ruth Franco, MONIKA - Multicultural Women’s Association is an umbrella organisation for several asso- ciations of women of ethnic minorities, founded in 1998. We aim to support integration and participation of immigrants and to prevent alienation and violence. The Association works to promote health and social well-being by supporting women, children and families of immigrant background, to whose needs the basic services cannot respond adequately.

Anchali came to Finland on holiday, she met a Finnish man on the inter- and gave it to the immigration police. invited by a relative who has a- per net, who was interested in meeting manent residence in the country. someone. They started a relationship Anchali, as she told us later, thought She left her home town in Thailand and after a very short time they got that ‘things were different here and all and was ready to spend a nice time married. They filed in an application men were good in Europe’. with her family. When she arrived, for a visa on the grounds of marriage

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The violence started at once. Anchali the most common form of migration in Sweden or the ‘three-year rule’ in was not given a key to her home and to Finland. In 2009, such migrants rep- Norway, has become the ‘five-year’ was left alone there without money. resented 42% of the total number of rule in Finland. In practice this means Her husband beat her and raped her, visa applications received.1 More than that many women do not report the sometimes forcing her to have sex sev- a third of these were on the grounds violence because they know that most eral times a day. One of those times, of marriage. Despite this obvious fact, likely they will be deported if they do she got pregnant. When her husband for many years, especially during the not have enough evidence to prove found out, he threw her out of the 1990’s, most public attention dedi- the violence in court and they do not house, threw her clothes into the rub- cated to migrants in Finland has fo- have a child with a person of Finnish bish and filed for divorce. cused on asylum seekers and refugees nationality or with a permanent resi- (a much smaller group), their growing dence permit. After suffering this horror at home for number and the amount of Finnish re- three months, a friend helped her to sources needed to meet their needs. On the other hand, in the MONIKA come to our shelter for migrant wom- shelter we have seen in 2010 positive en run by the Multicultural Women’s When finally the political debates results coming from the courts, with Association (MONIKA). But Anchali’s were starting to give more attention to migrant women winning their cases problems were far from over: the so- other groups of migrants, the topic of and being granted residence permits cial services did not want to pay for her marriages of convenience seemed to on grounds of compassion. While they stay in the shelter, since she did not be the biggest concern for many. Once stay with us, we encourage migrant have a social security number because again the possible misuse of Finnish women to collect the evidence they her residence permit had not yet been resources was on the agenda. As An- have about the violence they have suf- granted. After some negotiation, they chali’s case shows, and other cases fered, we go with them to the police gave her permission to stay in the shel- frequently encountered by the NGO to report the crimes when they choose ter and agreed to cover her expenses. MONIKA in their Resource Centre and to do so, assist them in finding a law- On the other hand, the health services shelter, Finnish authorities have be- yer and accompany them through the never agreed to see her. come extremely interested in proving always frightening trial process, giving the authenticity of marriages between them as much information as possible The lowest point came when Anchali Finnish citizens or persons residing about Finnish immigration laws and received the deportation letter one in Finland and migrants. This interest the possible risks they will be facing. month after coming to the shelter. De- seems to be so big, that in many cases Unfortunately, we can never be sure spite the fact that she had found the it is given precedence over the right to about the outcome, since it is not strength and courage to go to the po- receive a fair trial or the importance clearly stated in Finnish law (unlike in lice to report the violence, the police of identifying a criminal who will most Swedish or Norwegian law) that those chose to believe her husband, who likely repeat his crimes (in our shelter women who have suffered domestic told them that the relationship was a we have seen the pattern of aggres- violence do not have to fear losing fake, that he had received money to sors that pick up one migrant woman their residence permits. marry her and that the coming baby after another, to abuse them and then was not his – she had, he claimed, report them to immigration, trying to In the NGO MONIKA we believe that been with many men since her arrival get them out of the country and unfor- human rights should never be depen- in Finland. Nobody seemed to be in- tunately succeeding in many cases). dent on residence permits and it is terested in taking the investigation fur- extremely important to speak up and ther and the police decided to initiate Even when the marriage is proven to bring these issues to the light, making the deportation process. be ‘true’ according to the authorities, them more visible to policy makers. the residence permit of the migrant A reform of the law in which specific To this point, we have helped Anchali will be dependent on their spouse for statements about domestic violence to find a lawyer who has appealed the a long period of time. To start with, are included, the abolishment of the deportation. She is still in our shelter, the migrant is usually granted a resi- ‘five-year’ rule and more services for waiting for the court decision, hoping dence permit for a year, and if every- undocumented migrants are urgently for a fair trial and for time to pass, be- thing goes fine and the couple is still needed. cause once her baby is born she can together, a four-year residence permit prove that her husband is the father. will come later. This means that what The authorities will then have to grant has been called the ‘two-year rule’ her a residence permit. 1 Finnish Immigration Service, http:// www.migri.fi/netcomm/content. Migration through family ties is by far asp?path=8,2754,2762

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MONIKA - Multicultural Women’s Association has An Increased Number of founded the following units: Immigrant Wives Seek Support

* The Women’s Resource Center in Women´s Shelters in Sweden Monika (2001) offers low threshold services, guidance and counseling for Roks, The National Organisation for Women’s and Young immigrant women who have suffered violence, honor-related violence, vic- Women’s Shelters in Sweden tims of human trafficking and those threatened with a forced marriage. They come to Sweden with dreams of love and prosperity. The reality they face is completely different. * Mona Home (2004) - shelter for im- migrant women and children. Every year thousands of foreign women are granted a time-lim- ited residence permit in Sweden on the basis of a relationship * Women’s House (2009) offers a with a Swedish man. An increasing number of these women are social environment for immigrant seeking support in women’s shelters. In a new report, Roks, the women and children. National Organisation for Women’s and Young women’s Shelters in Sweden, highlights the phenomenon and proposes concrete Find more information about measures to overcome the problems. NGO MONIKA on our web- The difficulties for these women have been known for a long time: page: www.monikanaiset.fi even though they are exposed to violence both physically and mentally, they often fall right through society’s safety net. Partly More information: because they risk being deported if their relationship is broken, partly because they often lack knowledge about their rights in Some data and statistics about resi- Sweden. dence permits, asylum or refugees, citizenship and deportation from the The majority of these women who seek help at shelters come from Finnish Immigration Service: http:// Thailand. Other common nationalities are Russian, Iraqi, Filipinos www.migri.fi/netcomm/content. and Iranian. The men have both Swedish and foreign origins. asp?path=8,2754,2762 Roks proposes a series of measures to make the situation of these A very interesting discussion on im- women less vulnerable: migration policy debates in Finland, hidden discourses and silenced do- Firstly, the criticised ‘two-year rule’ must be abolished. mestic violence by Saara Pellander: According to this rule a relationship needs to last longer than http://static.sdu.dk/mediafiles// two years before the migrant can be granted a permanent resi- E/6/D/%7BE6D84BCA-9487-4BC4- dence permit. The two-year-rule turns women into prisoners in 82EB-7EB8B60757FD%7DPaper%20 their own homes. If the relationship ends before the two years have passed, they are normally deported from Sweden. These Saara%20Pellander.pdf women have left everything behind, they often come from poor The Finnish Aliens Act, with amend- backgrounds and some risk being exposed to honour-related violence if they return, says Roks chairwoman Angela Beausang. ments up to 2010, unofficial transla- tion: http://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/ kaannokset/2004/en20040301.pdf Secondly, Roks suggests that the authorities should do follow- ups on marriages and common law marriages in order to find out whether the relationship is serious. Signs of the opposite could be that the man has had several previous relationships of the same type, or that the couple married shortly before the application for the residence permit.

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Butterflies by Linda 2007/U-Yurn/PhotoVoice, from Change the Picture: a self-advocacy project with vulnerabble women Violence against Women and Penitentiary Centres

By Nuria Francoli Sanglas, Mar Camarasa Casals & Laura Sales Guiterrez, SURT Women’s Foundation, Spain

Women inmates represent less than excluded group that experiences mul- that in some countries, a high percent- a 10% of the total prison population tiple and serious economic, social and age had poor reading and/or writing of the EU Member States. A low fe- cultural disadvantages even before abilities. In England and Wales, 74% male ratio in the prison population is entering prison. The results of the re- of women in prison had left school at the most common characteristic of all search carried out in the framework the age of 15 or 16, and 39% had no penitentiary systems in Europe. Con- of the Women, Integration and Prison qualification. In France, 8% of women sequently, women inmates are one project1 showed, for example, that inmates defined themselves as illiter- of the most invisible groups of our most of women inmates had a very low ate, and 39% of them declared that societies. But behind this invisibility educational level, that a substantial they had only received an elementary hides an even less known reality: in- number had no schooling at all, and education. Regarding the situation in side European prisons there is an over- the labour market before incarcera- representation of women who have 1 Cruells, M., Igareda, N. (2005). MIP. tion, all data showed that a substan- suffered gender-based violence before Women, Integration and Prison. SURT tial number of women inmates were their imprisonment. Association, Barcelona. either inactive or unemployed before www.surt.org/mip. Project funded under the Fifth Framework Programme, European their imprisonment or held precarious Women inmates constitute a socially Commission. and/or low-skilled jobs. In Hungary,

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37% of women inmates had no occu- prison. As a result, their vulnerability before, violence against women places pation before their imprisonment, 8% increases, while their opportunities to them in a situation of (risk of) social ex- were unemployed, 6% received social develop survival strategies decrease. clusion. The Women, Integration and benefits for health reasons and 14% It is this risk situation that might lead Prison project points out another pos- were working at home. In Italy, only to committing a crime. In this regard, sible connection: women imprisoned 12% of imprisoned women said that the results of the Women, Integration as accomplices of violent partners who they were employed before their im- and Prison2 project shed light on the oblige and blackmail them into com- prisonment. In Spain, 45% of women strong link between the experience of mitting offences. On the other hand, inmates were working before their in- violence against women and the be- there are also women inmates who are carceration in sectors such as domes- ginning of criminal activity. in prison due to a violent crime against tic services and street vending, while their former abuser. 29% were working at home and 11% In order to better understand the link were unemployed. Concerning their between violence against women and In 2005, the SURT Women’s Founda- family situation, data showed a sig- women’s criminal activity, it might tion carried out research to analyse nificant percentage of lone mothers be useful to briefly analyse the -char the incidence of violence against wom- among women inmates. In France, acteristics of the criminal activity of en among the female population of 60% of imprisoned women were single women. In this sense, the results of a Catalan penitentiary centres. The re- mothers. Finally, it is also important to research study carried out in 2007 by sults confirmed what was already sus- highlight the importance of drug ad- the Quaker Council for European Af- pected: 88.4% of the women inmates dictions and (mental) health problems fairs on ‘Women in Prison’,3 show that had some experience of gender-based among women inmates. In England female delinquency varies from coun- violence before imprisonment, where- and Wales, 40% of female prisoners try to country. However, the study as in Catalan society the percentage had received support or treatment stated that in 10 out of the 23 coun- of women who suffer such violence for a mental or emotional problem in tries analysed, drug offences were during their lifetime is 26.6%5. The the 12 months prior to their entry into the most common crimes for which statistics showed a clear over-repre- prison and 15% of women inmates had women were imprisoned. In five coun- sentation of women inside prison who previously been admitted to a mental tries property-related offences were have suffered gender-based violence hospital. In France, 32% of women in- the most common and in three, homi- at some point in their lives. mates said that they had frequently cides. When looking at studies carried taken drugs in the 12 months prior to out in Spain4 (a country not analysed in Despite the high prevalence of experi- their imprisonment. In Italy, 21% of the above-mentioned study), the situ- ences of male violence among women women inmates were described as ad- ation is quite similar. In Spain, the most inmates, there was, and still is, a lack dicted to drugs. common offence in which women are of in-prison programmes tackling involved are public health offences the consequences of this violence. In addition to all these social exclusion and, specifically, drug trafficking. In Several documents reiterate interna- factors, violence against women be- Spain, the percentage of women com- tional commitment to eradicate all comes an aggravating factor in the pro- mitting violent crimes is low.- Look forms of violence against women and cess of social exclusion of incarcerated ing at the data, it can be said that, in to put in place a comprehensive and women and their path towards crime. a great number of cases, women are effective policy framework to com- in prison due to economic-related of- bat such violence. This commitment It is already known that violence fences. In this sense, one of the hy- has been expressed in international against women has multidimensional potheses is that criminal activity con- frameworks (CEDAW, Beijing Platform effects on women’s lives. Such vio- stitutes a survival strategy. As stated for Action) and also in the European lence deteriorates women’s physical arena: Council of Europe Recommen- and psychological health, it might lead 2 Cruells, M., Igareda, N. (2005). MIP. dation Rec(2002)5 on the Protec- to social isolation, and it might also Women, Integration and Prison. SURT tion of Women against Violence; the Association, Barcelona. require women to leave home. More- www.surt.org/mip. Project funded under Stockholm Programme (2009); the over, gender-based violence has also the Fifth Framework Programme, European European Parliament Resolution on economic effects on women’s lives. Commission. In this sense, violence against women 3 The Quaker Council for European Affairs 5 Enquesta de Violència Masclista de (2007). Women in prison. A Review of the Catalunya 2010 (Catalan Survey on Violence constitutes a social exclusion factor. In Conditions in Member States of the Council of Against Women). Initial results available at: the case of women inmates, the effects Europe. Available at: www.quaker.org/qcea http://www20.gencat.cat/docs/interior/ of suffering gender-based violence 4 Yagüe, Concepción (2002). Mujer; Delito Home/MS%20-%20Programa%20de%20 adds to the situation of social exclu- y prison. Un Enfoque diferencial sobre la seguretat%20contra%20la%20violencia%20 sion described above, in which many delincuencia femenina. Revista de estudios masclista/Elements%20Home/Banners/ penitenciarios, número 249. Ministerio del Documents/Presentacio%20RESULTATS_EVMC. women are immersed before entering Interior. pdf 20 21 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011 the Elimination of Violence against after release; and d) to restore the with violence against women, within Women (2009); the Women’s Charter damaged feminine identity and to the SPREAD project, minimum quality (2010) and the European Commis- promote the strengthening of self-es- standards9 on in-prison intervention sion Strategy for Equality between teem and empowerment. The partici- were defined. It is known that the re- Women and Men (2010-2015). These pants are women who have suffered ality of the penitentiary context and documents also recommend States gender-based violence before impris- the social and legal situation might to develop strategies to prevent and onment. However, the programme is be different in each country. There- combat violence against women and also open to any other women who fore, in order to have successful inter- to offer support to those women who might be interested in the issue. Thus, ventions, the in-prison programmes have suffered such violence. However, in this sense, it is also a prevention must adapt to the specificities of the little has been done to offer support programme. Women’s participation is context where they are implemented. to women inmates. As a result of re- voluntary and their involvement does However, in order to carry out coher- search carried out within the Daphne not influence directly the conditions of ent interventions and ensure quality, SPREAD project,6 in-prison treatment their sentence. a set of minimum standards for the programmes addressed specifically to implementation of in-prison interven- women inmates who suffered violence In the UK, the National Offender Man- tions was developed. The programmes against women before entering prison agement Service has developed a set should be based on the following rec- are only available in three EU Member of gender-specific standards for wom- ommendations: States, namely Spain (with an indepen- en’s prisons, drawing on existing best dent programme in Catalonia) the UK practices. The standards were pub- a) The programmes should be imple- (England) and Romania. lished on April 2008 in a new Prison mented on a permanent basis. Service Order (4800) on Women Pris- In Catalonia, the current in-prison pro- oners. They cover all areas of regime b) It is essential that professionals gramme was initiated in the frame- provision and should enhance the implementing programmes have ap- work of the ALTRA project.7 The pro- significant improvements that have propriate knowledge on gender issues, gramme is called ‘Support programme already been achieved in the care and violence against women and the peni- for women inmates who have suffered management of women prisoners and tentiary system. violence against women’. It is a psy- planning for their resettlement. The chotherapy and psycho-educational document is divided into different c) The penitentiary centres where the programme. The main aim of the pro- ‘pathways to resettlement’ and one is programmes take place need to dis- gramme is to offer a space to support specifically dedicated to ‘Supporting pose of adequate space and resources. imprisoned women who have suf- women who have been abused, raped fered gender-based violence before or who have experienced domestic d) The programmes need to go beyond imprisonment. The gender specific violence’. The document gives gender- the traditional approach of in-prison objectives of the programme are: a) specific guidance on action that should programmes tackling violence against to facilitate the identification of situa- be developed inside prisons. women, i.e. programmes based on tions/relationships based on violence psychological intervention, where vio- against women and provide resources In Romanian prisons, a programme lence is considered an individual prob- to deal with them; b) to foster aware- for victims of domestic abuse is being lem rather than an issue of structural ness of how the gender system is re- implemented. It is a psychosocial care discrimination due to the patriarchal lated to unequal relationships that programme on preventing domestic system in which we live in, and impulse may result in violence against women abuse in conjugal and family relation- and anger control programmes, which and how this situation damages the ships. The programme aims at reduc- forget the gender dimension that lies rights of women; c) to offer the pos- ing vulnerability to domestic abuse, at the root of violence against women. sibility to work on the consequences informing women of their rights, pro- of having suffered violence against viding alternatives and identifying so- e) The programmes should be imple- women, and to bring women near lutions to come out of the domestic mented by external staff in order to psychological support in order to pro- abuse cycle. The programme offers guarantee confidentiality and foster a mote access to this support, if needed, psychotherapy and psycho-education- trustful atmosphere. If this is not pos- al support.8 sible, programmes should be imple- 6 SPREAD. Spreading throughout Europe expertise and intervention programs with men mented by internal social or health- perpetrators and women survivors of violence In order to foster the development care professionals with adequate against women who are in prison. www. of new in-prison programmes dealing knowledge and expertise. surt.org/spread. Project funded under the European Commission Daphne III programme. 8 More detailed information on the 9 The whole document on the Minimum 7 ALTRA. Tackling gender violence in prison. caractheristics of the programmes can be Quality Standards is available at: www.surt. SURT, 2006-2008. www.surt.org/altra found at: www.surt.org/spread org/spread 22 23 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

f) Professional supervision should be programmes. These programmes are ti on also points out ‘that parti cular provided to those implementi ng the necessary to recover from violent ex- eff ort shall be made to give access to programmes. periences, to recover self-esteem and special services for women’ (Prison to achieve empowerment. Moreover, Rule 34.2), making special reference g) The programmes should be evaluat- these kinds of programmes may also to the fact ‘parti cular att enti on shall ed and all parti cipants should be part help prevent future abusive and vio- be paid to the need of prisoners who of follow-up acti viti es and monitoring. lent relati onships. have experienced physical, mental or sexual abuse’ (Prison Rule 25.4). In or- h) The programmes should be fi nanced These needs have been stressed by the der to comply with the Council of Eu- by annually allocated funds from the Council of Europe Recommendati on rope Recommendati ons, all European state budget. on the European Prison Rules: ‘all au- prisons should develop in-prison pro- thoriti es shall pay parti cular att enti on grammes to deal with the extensive In-prison programmes working with to the requirements of women such gender-based violence experienced women who have experienced vio- as their physical, vocati onal, social suff ered by women inmates prior to lence before entering prison are nec- and psychological needs’ (Prison Rule their imprisonment. essary for diff erent reasons. First of all, 34.1).10 Moreover, this Recommenda- women inmates should have the same rights as women outside prison. Thus, 10 Council of Europe Recommendati on in the same manner as women outside Rec(2006)2 of the Committ ee of Ministers to member states on the European Prison prison, women inmates should have Rules. Available at: htt ps://wcd.coe.int/wcd/ access to support and therapeuti c ViewDoc.jsp?id=955747

Many women in and out of prison self-harm. Although only 5% of prisoners in the UK are female, women account for almost 50% of reported cases of self-harm in prison. As women, we’re not born wanti ng to hurt ourselves, not born feeling bad about ourselves or struggling to let our feelings out. But things happen to us that leave us feeling that we deserve to be hurt, just for being female and for being young or Black or poor or any of the other identi ti es women have.

There are, of course, many ways a woman can hurt herself. Feeling like she’s worthless might mean that she ends up in a series of abusive relati onships or numbs herself with drugs, alcohol and other addicti ons.

For some women, injuring themselves seems like the only way to deal with painful emoti ons, the only way to get through their life or through their ti me in prison. When I was employed by the Writers in Prison Network to be a writer-in-residence in a women’s prison, women told me over and over again about their early experiences of abuse, humiliati on, abandonment, violence or threats of violence – experiences that left them with unbearable feelings that seemed impossible to face. One result of these experiences is that women blame themselves and hurt themselves before someone else can.

by Leah Thorn, extract from the Introducti on of Leah Thorn (Ed.), Release: Women in prison write about self-harm and healing, 2011

22 23 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

Women’s Sexual Rights in Europe - Discreet but Strong Reactionary Pressures By Pierrette Pape, EWL Policy Officer & Project Coordinator

Sexual rights are a component of hu- sexuality and sexual ‘roles’ of women plans have resulted in governmental man rights: they are an evolving set of and men, is criticised in many coun- funding cuts to family planning organi- entitlements related to sexuality that tries, in particular by religious groups. sations, as has been the case in France contribute to the fulfillment of the In some countries, such as Slovakia, for example, leading to difficulties in freedom, equality and dignity of all such courses are often part of a reli- managing the basic tasks of supporting people. However, women’s sexual and gious curriculum, and many informa- and counseling women and girls. reproductive health and rights are not tion materials are produced by anti- given enough political attention and choice groups. All EU Member States are also sig- face challenges that too often lead to natories to the Cairo Programme of their violation. Recent years in Europe - The new Hungarian Constitution – Action, adopted at the 1994 Interna- have seen the development of poli- scheduled to enter into force on 01 tional Conference on Population and cies or social change which effectively January 2012 – poses a grave threat Development, according to which re- reduce women’s enjoyment of their to women’s sexual and reproductive productive rights rest on the recog- rights: rights, as it includes a sentence on the nition of the basic right of all couples protection of the fetus from concep- and individuals to decide freely and - Cases of conscientious objection, tion; it therefore opens up the possibi- responsibly the number, spacing and when doctors refuse to perform abor- lity of a tightening of the procedure in timing of their children, and to have tions, rose in Italy from 58% in 2005 to Hungary regarding access to abortion the information and means to do so, 72% in 2008. In some regions (Sicily, and is also likely to call into question including access to health care, legal Rome, Campania, Veneto), it is higher the legality of other fertility and con- and safe abortion, and reliable, safe than 80%. traception methods and services. and affordable contraception. Such commitments need to be back on the - Sex/sexuality education, which is - The economic crisis has been used as agenda. There can be no regression for about promoting respectful and equal a pretext for financial attacks on servi- women’s basic rights! relationships between girls and boys ces attached to women’s sexual and re- and deconstructing stereotypes about productive health, and many recovery

24 25 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

Abandoning Forced Marriages: a Challenge for the Modernisation of the Roma Community

By Teodora Krumova, Centre Amalipe, Bulgaria

Early marriage in the Roma communi- many cases a legal act of marriage is bined with ‘arranged marriage’ and ty a topic which is currently attracting impossible. even ‘forced marriage’: usually, it is the attention of the so-called ‘general the parents who initiate this form of public’ in Europe. In fact, that which is It is clear that early marriages have a cohabitation for their children. Even generally described under the heading very negative impis act on the lives of more often, early marriage leads to a of ‘early marriage’ is actually cohabita- women and girls, to which European curtailment of education, limiting so- tion and the establishment of a family societies should be alert. The prac- cial development and self-realisation. and not marriage as such, because in tice of early marriage is often com- Early marriages are usually followed by

24 25 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

‘early births’ as far as, at least within nic dialogue and tolerance ‘Amalipe’ the community are not sufficient; the traditional Roma families and margin- (Bulgaria), Liga Pro Europa (Romania) community’s informal authorities, alised families, the married woman and the Association for social support educated representatives and so on is expected to prove her fertility: her of Europe - ARSIS (Greece) carried out have to be involved. This is not only role in perpetuating the family line in 2010 a survey within the project a moral and a human rights issue, is highly appreciated but if she can- ‘Prevention of early/forced marriages’ but also a question of effectiveness. not fulfil this role she has to bear the supported by DG Justice of the Euro- heaviest of stigmas. Moreover, early pean Commission (in the framework Last but not least, the project ap- marriages are often accompanied by of the Daphne Programme 2009). The proached the issue of early marriages different forms of domestic violence, project lasted one year and in this with the idea that the abolition of the high divorce rates and health prob- time-frame could not have as its goal practice will enable the self-realisation lems among young mothers. the complete abolition of the practice of the affected young Romani women of early marriages. Its aim was more and will support the complete mod- On the other hand, the practice of modest: to analyse the situation, raise ernisation of the Roma community. early marriages is often related to an the question in the Roma community undue stigmatisation of Roma com- and in front of the relevant institu- Survey results munities as a whole. Early marriages tions, and to implement on the ground are seen as curious, exotic and incom- several prototypes of activities for the The survey conducted by Center Am- prehensible, a remnant of a marriage prevention of early cohabitation. We alipe highlights that the Roma com- model of origins external to our Eu- believed that this could accelerate the munity is in a period of transition. The ropean societies, typical rather of the process of ending early marriages and average age to start cohabiting in the people who live east of the ‘Trieste-St. working towards the modernisation of Roma community is between 18,4 Petersburg line’ (as defined by John the Roma community, as well as to fos- and 18,8 years. The most significant Hajnal). This ‘exoticism’ is used to justi- ter a comprehensive policy in this direc- and distinct factor for the early start fy a wider vision of Roma communities tion – at national and European level. of matrimonial cohabitation and mar- as ‘backward’ and unable to provide a riage is education. The higher the edu- positive model of child development. The project approached the issue of cation levels, the later the marriage In Europe we tend to (consciously or early marriages on the assumption or start of matrimonial cohabitation. otherwise) forget that early marriages that the practice is not a fundamen- For example, at the age of 16, nearly were also not long ago typical of the tal and unchangeable part of Roma 50 percent of Roma with only prima- majority of societies to the east of culture nor a specifically ‘Roma’ tradi- ry or lower education already have a Trieste-St. Petersburg line, and for all tion, and that abolishing the practice partner, while amongst the Roma with of European peoples little before that. will not endanger Roma identity. Early university degrees this proportion is We tend to also neglect the fact that family establishment is a patriarchal, reached only at the age of 25. Another not all Roma groups, families and so- not a Roma tradition: all peoples in influential factor is the economic situ- cial groups practice early marriages. their pre-modern development have ation of the household. The age of the founded families at early ages. The first cohabitation and first marriage is In spite of the wide public interest, practice, which today is being called proportional to the household’s aver- early marriages have rarely been a ‘Roma tradition’ as it is prevalent age monthly income and average living a subject of discussion within the among some Roma groups in Bulgar- area per household. The study also re- Roma community. Roma NGOs, for- ia, Romania and Greece, was typical vealed significant differences between mal and informal leaders and activ- among the ethnic Bulgarian, Roma- sub-groups in the Roma community. ists avoid this issue because they are nian and Greek peoples just two to The Rudari Roma (Romanian language afraid to further entrench the stigma three generations ago. Beyond that, speakers), for instance, tend marry or suffered by the community, and- of the practice of early marriages has al- cohabit later than the average, where- ten because they themselves are un- ready disappeared within some Roma as the average ages for members of sure that the practice can be ended. groups in these countries without lead- the Millet group (Turkish speaking This lack of engagement represents ing to assimilation and loss of identity. Roma) are younger than the average. another challenge to the ending of the practice of early marriage and all The project also approached the is- Patriarchal attitudes towards fam- the accompanying negative effects. sue of early marriages mindful that ily and marriage among Roma are still the Roma community should be an very strong. At the same time there The project ‘Prevention of early/ active participant in efforts to abol- is a serious trend to overcome these forced marriages’ ish this patriarchal tradition. The ac- attitudes. It is getting progressively tions of institutions and authorities more unacceptable that parents de- In this context, the Centre for intereth- external to and not recognised by cide whom their children will marry: 26 27 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

52.2 percent of the respondents think addition, 47.3 percent of respondents dard household construction within that young people should decide on indicate that even if the young people Roma communities is the nuclear their own, as against 34.5 percent are in love, they should have to wait family (parents and their unmarried who accept the idea of parental ar- until the age of 16 before marriage, children), and not, as is widely be- rangements. The patriarchal practice with 30.1 percent feeling that they lieved, the so-called ‘extended family’ of paying a dowry (‘babaak’) meets should found a family only with paren- (parents and one, two or three mar- broad disapproval among the Roma tal consent. A very minor segment of ried sons and their children). This is a community. Even if the girl is a virgin, Roma will accept the start of such part- clear indicator of the progress of mod- this practice is supported by only 17.9 nerships before the age of 14 years. ernisation in the Roma community. percent of the interviewed and 69.1 percent of the respondents reject it. In The study clearly shows that the stan-

A Personal Story…

I’m Rayna and I’m 38 years old. I live in the village of Kostandovo, but I’m from Rakitovo, Bulgaria. I chose to get mar- ried at the early age of 15, because I liked my husband and because at that time I didn’t think about the consequences and how hard my life would be.

My husband and his family didn’t allow me to continue my secondary education, because he went to serve in the army and I had to be on my best behaviour in the community. I really wanted to do something in the field of fashion, but people wouldn’t approve of a married woman ‘wandering around’.

I got pregnant fast and during the pregnancy I attended some seamstress classes. Soon I had my first boy and when I finished my maternity leave, I started working in a sewing workshop. I became one of the best seamstresses; my boss and colleagues respected me. I worked there for 17 years.

I have 3 boys who are already married and have children of their own.

Throughout these 23 years of marriage, I had difficulties taking care of my 3 children, my husband and his family. I was working and thinking of how to provide for their future.

Early marriage is one big mistake, because your whole life passes by in a rush – taking care of children, thinking about their future. Your private life is pushed to the background and you turn your back on yourself.

For Roma people, the transition from childhood to adulthood is missing. During the time we have to develop, get to know oneself and prepare for life, we start families, but we are not ready for this.

I appeal to all young girls not to be in a hurry to marry and to continue their education, so that they can develop themselves.

I could have become a designer, because I had talent, but all I became was a seamstress...

26 27 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011 Violence against Women in the Work Place

Between 40 and 50 per cent of women in the European Union reported some form of sexual harassment in the workplace. Sexual harassment at work is the only form of violence against women which is covered by EU legislation. Since 2002, sexual harassment is defined as discrimination on the ground of sex and therefore prohibited. However, a research paper found that in the 31 European countries surveyed, female employees are significantly more exposed to workplace bullying than their male colleagues.

The European-wide organisation Mental Health Europe has conducted a two-year project to raise awareness on the men- tal health impact of violence against women at work. They found that violence and harassment at work have immediate effects on the concerned women, including a lack of motivation, loss of confidence and reduced self-esteem, depression and anger, anxiety and irritability. In the same way as with stress, these symptoms are likely to develop into physical illness, mental health problems, tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse. These symptoms may culminate in occupational accidents, invalidity and even suicide.

However, violence against women at work is very much hidden and not recognised as such: whilst a growing number of women are taking on managerial jobs, they are still faced with problems connected to exclusionary or undermining behaviour from men who may consider them a threat. In these cases, as in other spheres of society, sexual harassment is frequently used as a tool of control, benefiting from patriarchal structures and behaviours, coupled with liberal values (such as competition, profit-led activities, etc.) on the labour market, which trivialise male violence at work or in situations related to work and therefore make it very difficult for women to detect and denounce such violence.

Sources: UN Factsheet 2006 & European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (2007) ‘Women and Violence at Work’ Conflict and the ‘Other Violence’ By Susan McKay, Chief Executive of the National Women’s Council of Ireland

The conflict in the North of Ireland is ges and feminist advocacy services and 1982, was one of a group of feminists over, but the other violence, domestic human rights activists from both sides who set up Northern Ireland’s Rape and sexual violence against women of the Irish border. Crisis Centre. What we found, when and children, continues, and many of we opened the doors to our tiny offi- its victims still feel as excluded from Derry, the North’s second city, is just a ces in Belfast, was that the political access to justice as they did when the- few kilometres from the border with violence had masked an extraordinary re were armed men on the streets. Donegal. As is well acknowledged level of violence against women. This was the message from a seminar within the EU, this North Western bor- organised by the National Women’s der region suffered serious disadvanta- From 1968 to 1998, when the Good Council of Ireland in conjunction with ge during the conflict, and there is still Friday Agreement was signed, the Foyle Women’s Aid and Peace Centres, a lack of investment in its infrastructu- newspapers were full of news of ‘the in Derry in December 2010.1 re. There is, for example, no women’s Troubles’, footage of bomb blasts refuge in Leitrim, Sligo or Cavan. and cordoned-off streets was on the The seminar was called ‘The Other television every evening. The rape, Violence’, and it brought together poli- As Chief Executive of the National beating and even murder of women ce, civil servants, probation staff, social Women’s Council, I chaired the se- were hardly reported at all. In those services personnel, workers from refu- minar. It was a particularly important days, foreign journalists would so- event for me. I am from Derry, and in metimes, during visits to the north, 1 www.nwci.ie 28 29 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

call in the police in many communities – particularly in Republican communi- ties since the Royal Ulster Constabu- lary had bad history and was perceived to be a unionist force. Those giving in- formation of any kind to it were seen as ‘touts’ and might be punished ac- cordingly. To a lesser degree, this was also the case in Loyalist communities. Paramilitaries did not want the secu- rity forces in their areas. They dished out their own punishments – including kneecappings and shootings of those offending against other members of the community – but they were highly selective, and turned a blind eye in cases of domestic and sexual violen- ce when the offenders were men who supported their cause. Fiona Neary, Director of the Rape Crisis Centres Network in Ireland (RCNI) & Professor Tom O’Malley from the Law Department at the National University of Ireland, Galway. Northern Ireland really was an armed Both were speakers at a seminar on cross border work on domestic and sexual violence patriarchy. Many women were quite in Galway in March 2010. simply denied access to justice. Crimes decide to look for something different, In the context of the Troubles, having against them were relegated to the and some would come to us. sexual relationships outside of your ‘private’ world of the home and the fa- own community was liable not to be mily, so a man could be seen as a hero Too often, they would have pre-concei- tolerated and carried a high risk. The in the community even if he was bea- ved ideas. Could we put them in touch IRA ‘tarred and feathered’ young wo- ting or raping his wife or children. Chil- with a Catholic woman raped by an men it called ‘soldier dolls’. This was dren grew up seeing violence against RUC man?2 A Protestant raped by an a ritualistic humiliation during which women and children as part of life. A IRA man?3 the victim, if she was believed to have couple of generations of men grew up been dating a British soldier, was tied seeing such violence as something that Cases of rape committed against ‘ene- up in a public place, tar was poured could be carried out with impunity – my’ women did occur, of course. But over her and feathers were then scat- many, naturally, abhorred this situa- they were rare and there did not ap- tered over her. tion; others exploited it. pear to be any systematic use of such violence. The truth was, most rape, like Loyalist paramilitaries – militant Pro- The conflict is well and truly over, des- most other forms of violence against testants who took up arms in support pite the sabre rattling of a few extre- women, was carried out by men who of maintaining the Unionist state of mists. But today, in Derry, the new, were part of the victim’s own commu- Northern Ireland – shot dead people religiously mixed Police Service of Nor- nity, or even family. Many women were in ‘mixed’ relationships, meaning re- thern Ireland (PSNI) will be called out raped by men who had guns, legally or lationships between a Catholic and a once every 21 minutes to deal with an illegally held – but mostly these men Protestant. Northern Ireland was a incident of domestic violence. And, ac- were their husbands, their brothers, patchwork of largely religiously segre- cording to Marie Browne, director of their fathers, their neighbours, the gated areas, with Republican parami- Foyle Women’s Aid, communities are man from two streets away in their litaries exercising considerable social still dominated by men who try to keep tightly knit area. control in certain Catholic areas, whi- the police out, so that many women le Loyalist paramilitaries had equiva- are still trapped in abusive situations.4 lent power in some Protestant areas. 2 The Royal Ulster Constabulary was the almost entirely Protestant police force in Members of the security forces lived in Foyle Women’s Aid took a brave stand Northern Ireland. Protestant areas. during the conflict, insisting that if a 3 The Irish Republican Army took up arms woman needed protection, she had to against the Unionist state, claiming that civil Most crimes of sexual and domes- be allowed to involve the police, and rights for Catholics could only be achieved if tic violence were not reported to the the partition of Ireland into two states was ended. authorities. It was not acceptable to 4 www.foylewomensaid.org 28 29 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011 this work continues. In effect, the fe- However, the legacy of the conflict cluded that there is a strong case for minist advocates faced down the ‘hard remains powerful for the women and seeking funds from EU sources to men’ who had designated themselves families who were hurt by the ‘other bolster the work of women’s support as the gatekeepers of their commu- violence’, and for those living in ne- services. This will require the building nities. In Derry, Women’s Aid had the glected border areas where services of alliances and partnerships with sta- support of progressive PSNI officers. are few and far between. The need for tutory authorities on both sides of This work goes on, and is bearing fruit. resources to fund rape crisis and do- the border, as well as identifying ways However, it needs major investment. mestic advocacy services in the North in which cross border co-operation West border area was stressed at the can be developed and improved. The The border remains problematic. Do- Derry seminar, but it was also recog- ‘Other Violence’ seminar marked the mestic and sexual abusers have beco- nised that in a time of recession, it is start of this work. It is hoped that by me adept at using it to escape justice. going to be very difficult to obtain such the end of 2011, a full proposal for a Different laws apply in the two juris- funds domestically. comprehensive cros- border project dictions. A man convicted in the Nor- will be ready for submission. th can go ‘on the run’ in the Republic. Niamh Wilson of Domestic Violence Extradition proceedings are unwieldy Advocacy Services, based in Sligo on The National Women’s Council of Ire- and slow. Men who are subject to ex- the southern side of the border told land will work on this with our mem- clusion or barring orders may move to the seminar that already, in the Repu- bers on both sides of the border, with the other side of the border which will blic, non-governmental organisations COSC (a new governmental agency leave them within a few miles of their running services for women and chil- whose name means ‘Stop’ in Irish, set family, and they can then continue the dren have experienced cuts of 10% or up to address domestic, sexual and harassment and abuse with impunity. more, despite rising demand. She said gender based violence in the Repu- that the recession has led to a signifi- blic), and through the EWL Irish Ob- The situation is changing. The PSNI and cant increase in domestic violence.6 servatory. We appreciate the support An Garda Siochana (the police of the National Women’s Council of Ireland already given by Peace Centres. Irish Republic) now co-operate exten- members who provide frontline ser- sively, and work is ongoing between vices have noted increases in demand After the conflict, it was rightly ob- Probation Services and Social Servi- of between 30 and 40% in the last 18 served that the decommissioning of ces on both sides of the border. Se- months.7 weapons needed to be matched by xual offenders have successfully been a decommissioning of mindsets. The monitored on an all-island basis, and For these reasons, the seminar con- same is true in relation to domestic some who have fled across the - bor and sexual violence. The ‘other violen- der have been re-apprehended and from the North’s Multi Agency Approach, by ce’ must no longer be seen as private, Susan McKay. 5 brought back to court. 6 See EWL/Oxfam report, An Invisible irrelevant to wider society. No man Crisis? http://www.womenlobby.org/spip. who rapes or beats his wife or child 5 Ssee www.crossborder.ie, Journal of Cross php?article182 should be seen as any kind of hero. Border Studies No 4 March 2009, p67. Dealing 7 www.domesticviolence.ie, www.safeireland. With Cross Border Sex Offenders – Learning ie

Annette McGavigan, a 14 year old who was killed during the Derry violence in 1971

30 31 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

Structural Violence Calls for Structural Solutions

Violence against women is not accidental: it is structural, and therefore needs structural solu- tions to make societies safe for women. Ending violence against women is one of the condi- tion for the achievement of de facto equality between women and men. The structural na- ture of violence against women is in its links with women’s poverty; the lack of services and support for women victims of rape; a system of prostitution in urgent need of abolition; the relegation of domestic violence to the private sphere; or criminal trafficking in women. Again and again, women’s organisations and allies need to explain why violence against women is a cause and consequence of inequality between women and men, and therefore requires struc- tural change, not just selective and peace-meal measures. Political will, courage and resources are key to ending violence against women. Photo: Working Girls by Aurore Martignoni (2nd Prize, EWL Photo Competition 2010)

30 31 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

Photo: Dignity by Claudia Morais (Submitted to EWL Photo Competition 2010) Domestic Violence in Post- Communist Countries: How Long Will it Remain a ‘Family Matter’?

By Agnieska Nakielska, Network of East-West Women (NEWW) Poland

The following findings are based on the final publication of the project ‘The South Baltic - Domestic Violence against Women Free Zone’ which contributed to cooperation and exchange of good practices on ways of opposing and preventing domestic violence against women between civil society organisations, local governments and institutions like police and crisis intervention centres, in Poland, Lithuania, Sweden and Kaliningrad.*

A pervasive lack of data and awareness on domestic blind. Violence in the family is usually considered as violence against women ‘violence in the private sphere’ (bytovoe nasilie). The term ‘domestic violence’ (domashnee nasilie) is used by In Russia, a woman dies every hour at the hands of a relative, women’s organisations only. Russian authorities claim her partner or her former partner. This figure comes from there are approximately 250,000 violent crimes committed an NGO source, as the Russian government does not against women annually; however, many cases of domestic compile official statistics on incidents of domestic violence. violence are not reported to the authorities, making it The Kaliningrad Region also lacks such data. International difficult to ascertain concrete figures. reports indicate that the Russian government has not initiated any legislation to combat domestic violence. In Lithuania there is no specific law which penalises Moreover, the Russian legal system does not provide for domestic violence. Despite Lithuanian law penalising crimes restraining, protection or barring orders. Although in 2006 against public peace (such as violence in a public place), and a draft federal law ‘Prevention of Domestic Violence’ was allowing for direct prosecution of perpetrators through the proposed, it was not made available for consultations with office of the public prosecutor, there is no legal definition of NGO workers and State Duma committees. There is no violence in the private sphere. Statistic shows that two out specific definition of domestic violence in Russian legal of three women have experienced physical, psychological acts and domestic violence is not recognised as a separate and sexual violence from their male partner. Between two crime. Despite the fact that the Constitution of the Russian and 20 percent of victims of domestic violence dare seek Federation guarantees equality of rights and freedoms for help in the law enforcement institutions or women’s non- all citizens, regardless of sex, race, nationality, language, governmental organisations. A great majority of women origin, property and official status, place of residence or in Lithuania still lack self-awareness and self-confidence, religion, the Russian Criminal Code is completely gender- sexual education and information on equal opportunities policy. 32 33 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

Sweden is by many regarded as a borders with the European Union, is equally prevalent in both urban society in which there is a relatively there are no statistics or data available and rural areas. Psychological and high degree of equality between on domestic violence against women. economic violence against woman women and men. There is, however, Even if such data exist in Poland and happens significantly more often a considerable imbalance in the Sweden, they nevertheless do not than physical or sexual violence. An power relations between women and reflect the reality as they sometimes additional factor of violence against men. The most extreme example of lack a gender perspective and because woman is perpetrator’s intoxication such an imbalance is the occurrence of the prevalent social stigma on from alcohol. of men’s violence against women. women victims of male domestic The number of police reports filed violence. In the former Soviet Union, the for assault against women increased problem of domestic violence was by 40 percent during the 1990s. Post-communist gender blind concealed: it was claimed that violence The number of cases, when assault policies on domestic violence did not occur in soviet society and, if it resulted in the death of the victim in against women did, it was committed by sex maniacs 2009 was 95, which is an increase of or mentally ill persons. Consequently, about 50 percent compared to 2008. The main reason for this situation is that there were no statistics, and the ‘Dark numbers’ (estimated non- domestic violence is still considered problem was contextualised as an reported domestic violence statistics) to be a private family matter in issue of social pathology and crime. are high. Many women are ashamed Russia and in many post-communist of reporting that they are abused and countries. Patriarchal values maintain Three factors explain the differing others leave the relationship instead unequal relations between men and prevalence rates of domestic violence of making a notification. The number women. Although domestic violence when comparing situations in different of unreported cases is estimated to is not accepted as a social norm, countries: deprived economic living be ten times more than the reported traditional values may justify violence conditions, traditional attitudes toward offences and some research suggests against women. One of them might be women and children and general that nearly half of all women have traditional lack of acceptance towards tolerance of violent behaviour in a been victims of abuse during their any interference in family affairs: for given society, appear to be prevalent lifetime. example 43 percent of Russians say in post-communist countries. In terms that domestic violence is a private of social advocacy, societies in Central In Poland, domestic violence is matter, and one-third of them blame and Eastern Europe not only are more common than street violence. the victims for ‘inciting’ the violence inexperienced with democratic self- Battering a family member is the third at home. There are also many government and civic mobilisation, but most common crime in Poland after stereotypes about violence against they also have developed an ‘allergy’ theft and assault. As evidenced in women in modern post-communist to organised feminism. statistics, most cases are withdrawn societies, which impact upon violence or cancelled in the course of the against women. The most popular There has been a wide-scale rejection investigation, because the victims are the following: women who suffer of the Soviet model of women’s withdraw their complaints.The violence have low level of education ‘emancipation’ and a concomitant Centre of Women’s Rights conducted and low income level; violence against romanticisation of home life and a study to examine the reasons for women happens in dysfunctional traditional gender roles. Whereas which victims are reluctant to press families living in rural areas; violence many social policies were strong charges. Eight issues came up as major against women refers to physical or during communism, domestic violence reasons for women to withdraw their sexual harm only; women are the was ignored by the authorities. complaint: practicality (both victim ones provoking violence against them; Sometimes it was captured under and perpetrator have to live together); women must be obedient to their the criminal statute of ‘hooliganism’. children and their welfare; Intimidation husband and save their marriage. According to interviews with social by the partner; love for the partner workers, psychologists, lawyers, police and hope he will change; economic According to the data of a Lithuanian officers and activists, there were no issues; disbelief and disillusionment sociological research project initiated services, such as shelters for victims of with the justice system; shame and by the Lithuanian Ministry of Social domestic violence. This situation leads fear of social ostracism; religion. Security and Labour, the majority to problematic effects such as almost of victims of domestic violence are chronic housing shortages and made It is interesting to note that in an EU middle-aged women, who have a it almost impossible for women to exit country like Lithuania, and a Russian secondary education and average abusive relationships. province like Kaliningrad, which shares income. Violence against women

32 33 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

A critical need for support to NGOs should be seen as a public problem, and generalised access to services and not only a family matter. Female Sexual Nowadays in those post-communist Mutilation countries where governments provide some support to victims of violence, shelters and centres for psychological Bibliography and medical help are run by NGOs. The governments provide minimal funding Amnesty International (2005). Russian to these organisations in Romania, Federation: Nowhere to turn to: Poland, and Lithuania. In Kazakhstan Violence against women in the family. and Moldova, one shelter was set In France, women’s associations up and sponsored by governmental have developed a novel approach Baldez, L. (2003). Women’s Movements funds. In both countries, these centres to the question of female genital and Democratic Transition in Brazil, were transferred to the supervision of mutilation, in order to better take Chile, East Germany and Poland,’ NGOs. into account the impact of these Comparative Politics, 35(3), p. 253- practices on women’s sexuality, 272. In Slovenia, the Czech Republic and beyond the simple physical mu- Russia, the governments provide funds tilation. In choosing to speak of Dabrowska M., (2010). Violence to many shelters on a systematic basis. ‘female sexual mutilations’, these against women in post-communist The government of the Czech Republic associations highlight the struc- countries. succeeded in expanding the network of tural character of this form of male shelters for women victims of violence violence against women and the Funk N., Mueller M., (1993). Gender to 107 centres in 2004. There is a necessity of eradicating it from the Politics and Post-Communism: serious lack of trainings and seminars perspective of gender equality. Reflections from Eastern Europe and for police officers, prosecutors, as well the Former Soviet Union.Routledge, as medical services regarding dealing Female sexual mutilations, together London 1993. with domestic violence cases. Only with any other form of mutilation, in Poland, a well-known programme are a criminal matter in France. Sen- Tarasiewicz, M., Nakielska, A. red. known as ‘Blue Card’ provided good tences are harsher if the mutilation (2010). Domestic Violence In the South training and technical support to is perpetrated on a minor and/or in Baltic Region: Kaliningrad, Lithuania, police officers. Even in those countries if instigated by persons in authority, Poland and Sweden. NEWW Polska, which develop their methods and such as a parent. Gdansk, 2010. institutional and legal background for combating domestic violence, The qualification of ‘sexual’ allows The South Baltic - Domestic Violence rural women do not have adequate for prosecution on return to France against Women Free Zone: http:// access to governmental provisions and if the offense is committed abroad www.neww.eu/en/baltyk/index/0. assistance against violence. by persons habitually resident in html and http://www.neww.eu/pliki/ France. baltic/raport2.pdf International human rights instruments determine that violence Physicians are under the obligation U.S. Department of State, (2008). against women both in public and to report any cases of female sexual Human Rights Report: Russia. in private life is a violation of human mutilation to the authorities. rights. Therefore, there is a strong Women’s Information Center (1999). need for cooperation and exchange Women’s associations raise aware- Violence against women in the family. of good practices on ways to prevent ness on the health and legal risks of Danielius, Vilnius, 1999. and combat domestic violence against female sexual mutilation. They also Zabielina, T. (2002). Russia: Domestic women. This cooperation should help excised women to access re- Violence – Violence in Society. be introduced between civil society constructive surgery of the clitoris, organisations, local governments which has helped many women to and institutions like police and crisis feel whole again. intervention centres. It is crucial to make people more aware of the effects Photo from Amesty International END of domestic violence on life of society FGM European Campaign as a whole. Male domestic violence

34 35 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011 Poverty, Social Exclusion and the Gaps in the Domestic Violence Victim Support System By Susana Pavlou, Director & Christina Kaili, Project Coordinator, Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies, Cyprus

Photo: Deserted Space by Ioanna Katsarou This article is based on two qualita- Recent trends in domestic violence rates can be partly explained by in- tive research projects carried out by in Cyprus creased awareness and a relatively the Mediterranean Institute of Gender good legislative framework (on family Studies in 2010, focusing on the links The prevalence of reported domes- violence only) the lack of prevalence between domestic violence against tic violence has risen dramatically in studies hides the fact that violence women and poverty and social exclu- the last decade. Incidents of reported against women is, as elsewhere, one of sion, as well as on the victim support domestic violence to the police show the least reported crimes. This is due system in Cyprus. The projects were a disturbing upward trend with re- to ingrained socio-cultural attitudes funded by the European Commission’s ported cases almost doubling in the that render violent behavior normal Daphne III Programme and the Cyprus last 4 years.2 Similarly, reports to the and acceptable, persistent economic Government within the framework of only NGO providing services to victims inequalities between women and the European Year to Combat Poverty of domestic violence have tripled over men, a lack of confidence in the ability and Social Exclusion.1 the years 2004-2009. Despite it not be- of the relevant authorities, a total lack ing defined as such by the Cypriot legis- of resources for women victims of vio- 1 Examining the Links between Domestic lence, fear of social stigmatisation, and Violence against Women and Poverty lative and policy framework, domestic and Social Exclusion, http://www. violence is a gendered phenomenon a general culture of victim-blaming in medinstgenderstudies.org/news/new-project- and inextricably linked to gender (in-) relation to violence against women. to-examine-the-links-between-domestic- equality and unequal power relations violence-and-poverty-and-social-exclusion/ Even more discouraging is the high and REACT to Domestic Violence: Building between women and men. a Support System for Victims of Domestic level of ‘attrition’ in the course of in- Violence, http://www.medinstgenderstudies. Although the increase in reporting vestigations and prosecutions of male org/news/react-to-domestic-violence-building- domestic violence. A very high num- a-support-system-for-victims-of-domestic- 2 Cyprus Police, Statistic Office, Research and ber of cases reported do not develop violence/ Development Department, 2009 34 35 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011 into criminal investigations, and even pensions;7 and the lack of adequate Most women interviewed were subject fewer proceed to court.3 Half of those child care services,8 are all factors that to psychological and physical violence, that do make it through the legal pro- render women poorer and more vul- but also economic violence with their cess are suspended, interrupted, with- nerable than men regardless of age or income monitored and controlled by drawn or rejected by the courts. The social group. their partners. In some cases, women conviction rate is also appallingly low.4 had been forced to give their partners Of the number of cases recorded in The research results revealed that power of attorney, giving them the court only 38% resulted in a conviction violence against women exacerbates right to manage all their financial af- (66% of the total number judged by women’s risk of poverty and social fairs and personal property. the courts) and 34% of cases resulted exclusion. Male violence constitutes in acquittals. Also discouraging are the a major obstacle to women’s access One of the most important issues nature of the penalties imposed on to various tangible and intangible re- raised by the victims interviewed was the perpetrators of domestic violence. sources, and has serious implications the lack of affordable and accessible The majority of the penalties imposed on various aspects of their lives. Lone child care services to facilitate access were fines (74%), with 21% resulting parenthood, affecting the vast major- to the labour market which in turn di- in imprisonment and/ or a suspend- ity of women who participated in the minishes their ability to generate an ed sentence, and 5% probation.5 The research study, in itself increases the independent and adequate income overwhelming preference is thus for risk of poverty by one third. Women after exiting a violent relationship. imposing monetary fines and finan- victims of male violence also found Furthermore, women did not have in- cial guarantees, which do not provide themselves inactive, unemployed or formation on or access to vocational any real deterrent to perpetrators and underemployed either due to coercion training programmes that would pro- are not preventative on a wider social by the violent partner or due to poor vide them with the skills required to level. health as a consequence of violence. access better paid employment. So- cial inclusion and (re)integration pro- Poverty and social exclusion have ‘My husband, ex- grammes are not an integral part of a woman’s face the victim support system and are only husband… he did available to women if they meet crite- Poverty and social exclusion in Cyprus, everything so I’ll ria for public assistance. Many women as elsewhere in Europe, have a wom- confessed that, even if receiving public an’s face and is the result of perva- never have assistance, their income was not suffi- sive inequalities between women and cient to meet their basic needs and the men. Women’s marginalisation in the anything… never needs of their children. labour market, with women dominat- have nothing on my ing the lower paid sectors of health A number of the women that par- and education, domestic work, and name, never have ticipated in the study were ofmi- non-market service;6 underrepresen- grant background and experienced tation in political and public life, with even good additional obstacles related to their only 14% women’s representation in salary… he is the lack of independent migration status. the House of Representatives; the per- This would result in delays in access- sistent wage gap between men and boss…’ ing public assistance including income women which translates into reduced Victim of male domestic support and housing. The lack of af- fordable childcare, and the absence violence 3 Attrition refers to the process by which of supportive social networks such as reported cases are lost from the legal family and friends, contributed to their process, and thus do not result in a criminal further exclusion from the labour mar- conviction. See Kelly, L. & Lovett, J, ‘Different 7 The striking gender pay gap in Cyprus stood ket and their dependence on welfare Systems, similar outcomes? Tracking attrition at 23.9% in 2009 and is among the highest in benefits. in reported rape cases in eleven countries,’ Europe. European Briefing, April 2009, CWASU 8 The childcare system in Cyprus remains 4 Veis, C. (2010) The Criminal Investigation inadequate despite governmental Support system fails to provide of Domestic Violence Cases: Challenges and commitment to provide childcare facilities for women with what they need Issues, Analysis Report, Inspection of Cyprus 90% of children between 3 years of age and and European Law, Vol. 11, Δικαιονομία – Law the mandatory school age by 2010. Currently, Publishing, p.6-11 there is no public scheme covering children The research also revealed tremen- 5 Ibid, p.9 until the age of five (the compulsory school dous gaps in the victim support sys- 6 According to Eurostat, in 2005, Cyprus had age) and this gap is filled mainly by private tem. Women categorically expressed the highest gender segregation in employment schools at considerable economic cost to their dissatisfaction with available sup- in the EU. households. 36 37 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

port provisions, particularly those pro- victim during this time? Typically sup- ordination among services providers, vided by the Social Welfare Services port and treatment exists but it is not the fact that state shelters and other who are the main providers of victim structured in a specific context, with facilities specifically designed for hous- support in Cyprus. Victims claimed supportive structures to help the vic- ing victims of domestic violence are they were treated with apathy and tim cope with the difficulties that arise non-existent, and only one NGO-run lack of sensitivity and professional- after a complaint.’ (Representative, shelter is currently in operation with ism by welfare officers and experi- Domestic Violence & Child Abuse- Of only 12 places for women and their enced lengthy delays when applying fice, Criminal Investigation Depart- children. If the number of women’s for public assistance. Women, mainly ment, Cyprus Police Headquarters) shelters is an indication of a state’s of migrant background staying in the political will to address male domestic NGO run shelter, confessed that they The research also revealed that there violence, then it is obvious that this is- felt anxious about their future and un- is lack of trained and experienced pro- sue is not being addressed as a politi- certain as to how they would stand on fessionals in front-line services which cal priority in Cyprus. their own feet once their time in the poses serious questions as to the shelter expires. Women pointed to the quality of services provided. Further- What do women want? need for additional psychological sup- more, none of the services evaluated port and empowerment programmes incorporated a gender perspective in Domestic violence and poverty and as well as measures that would facili- their work, and demonstrated a lack social exclusion are highly gendered tate their access to the labour market, of understanding of the dynamics of phenomena and must be interpreted including low-cost quality childcare violence against women. None of the within the broader social framework services. The lack of effective support service providers interviewed rec- of gender inequality and traditional structures is also related to the high ognised the link between domestic power relations between women incidence of attrition in domestic vio- violence against women and inequal- and men. When addressing domestic lence cases as expressed by a repre- ity between women and men, and all violence against women, the links be- sentative of the police: adopted the legal definition of family tween women’s marginalisation and violence which is gender blind. Stereo- male violence must be recognised ‘Many domestic violence cases are typical attitudes and ‘victim-blaming’ and systematically addressed if we are suspended because of one vital factor, prevail among those who have respon- to tackle the root causes of violence the deep deficit in the support frame- sibility for protecting victims, which against women. Within this frame- work for domestic violence victims. means that not only are victims denied work, the support system must not Once a case leaves the police, there is the support they need but that perpe- only provide women with adequate a question mark as to whether there trators can exercise violence with im- psychosocial support but aim to pro- is substantial support for the victim. It punity. vide those opportunities that will help takes 1-2 years or more for a case to women regain control over their lives be completed. What happens to the Another issue that arose is a lack of co- and live in dignity free from violence.

Women’s Aid Campaign, Ireland

36 37 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011 Addressing Rape in the Czech Republic: Quality of Services for Rape Survivors By Jitka Čechová and Hana Jandová, Gender Studies & Persefona, Czech Republic

Rape, although considered the most to police statistics, 586 rape offences in the Czech Republic. Such research serious crime after murder, is paid very were reported in the Czech Republic should include the gathering of data little attention in the Czech Republic. in 2010. Comparatively, in Sweden, a and information on rape, in particular This has dire consequences, with rape country of approximately the same on the prevalence of these crimes, the survivors being given little support, the size, the number of reported cases is number of complaints lodged with the issue being trivialised and the genera- about six times higher. In addition to police (including those dismissed with- tion of a variety of myths which clearly the problem of being severely under- out investigation) and the number of contribute to the double victimisation reported, the attrition rate of rape -of complaints that result in prosecutions. of rape survivors, etc. In response to fenses is also very high: the criminal the inadequate levels of appropriate proceedings get laid aside, are discon- There is no state strategy (be it a Na- and comprehensive care for rape sur- tinued, or are never even initiated. The tional Action Plan or other compre- vivors in the Czech Republic, the NGO statistics unfortunately tell us nothing hensive document) tackling the issue Gender Studies conceived of a project about the reasons behind this high at- of rape. From the perspective of crimi- aiming to support women rape sur- trition rate. Out of the 500 to 600 rapes nal procedure, Czech law is deplored vivors, in cooperation with the civic reported annually in recent years, only for its insufficient protection of the association Persefona: ‘Stop Rape: approximately 150 perpetrators have victim. As Langhansová and Kristková The Programme for Rape Survivors´ been convicted. The fact that a third have noted, the Czech criminal proce- Protection’.1 of these prosecutions result in parole dure ‘does not take into account…the (i.e. the perpetrators had been found psychological and moral harm suffered According to both domestic and -for guilty but never served a day in prison) by the victims by the violation. The vic- eign experts, only 3 to 10% of rape is appalling. tim is viewed either as a witness, i.e. a cases are reported to the police (the source of evidence, or as the aggrieved rate is even lower for rapes by an in- Critical gaps in the process of ad- person who can claim compensation timate partner or by a relative than dressing rape for material or bodily harm.’ In line for assault by a stranger). According with this view, the Code of Criminal So far, there has been no in-depth, Procedure only offers legal aid free- 1 For more information, see www. of-charge if the aggrieved person peti- stopznasilneni.cz reliable research on the issue of rape 38 39 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

tions the court for compensation and her personal life), is only used very survivor really understands the infor- if she proves a lack of financial means rarely in sexual violation cases. mation. The survivors are usually not to cover her own legal assistance, for informed of the steps in the prosecu- instance. As a result, many victims of The victims are not informed about tion process and may be confused. A violent crimes participate in criminal where to turn for further help. The particularly frequent issue is victims proceedings with no legal support or police fail to sufficiently direct them to not being given sufficient notice of the aid. The fact that the Code of Criminal different psychological or legal clinics release of perpetrators from prison. Procedure interprets the victim’s dam- that work with victims of sexual viola- Another problem is that sometimes ages only in terms of material or bodily tion. To a certain extent, this is due to the police do not have contact lists for harm is a related problem. It provides the fact that there are not many such follow-up care, or do not use them. As no means of compensating immaterial organisations; still, the victim does not a result, the survivors are not referred – emotional or psychological – dam- learn about the existing ones from the to services specialised in helping them age, effectively rendering compen- police. The lack of mutual trust be- such as legal or psychological counsel- sation impossible. The insufficient tween public authorities and the non- ling centres for violence survivors or protection of the victim in criminal profit sector may be viewed as one of gynaecologists. proceedings has an especially negative the reasons for this. impact on victims of violent crimes. Insufficient knowledge has grave- ef Many medical doctors have little or no fects on our success in addressing Another barrier to addressing inter- practical experience with rape survi- rape. Educational opportunities for personal violence lies in the require- vors. The risk that important evidence professionals are not utilised (due to ment of victim’s consent with criminal of injury and harm might not be well lack of motivation, financial means or proceedings. If the perpetrator is the recorded is fairly high. The attitude of insufficient support by the employer). husband/wife, a domestic partner or medical staff to patients who happen As far as the general public is con- another close relative, the prosecu- to be survivors of rape varies greatly cerned (including potential rape sur- tion of certain crimes cannot start or from one institution to another. There vivors and their family and friends), sometimes cannot continue without are differences in treating survivors the levels of awareness of rape are the consent of the victim. Even though with respect, in levels of interest in extremely low and are also subject to at first sight this provision seems to af- what has really happened to survivors, stereotypes. Most people still believe ford autonomy to the victims and re- as well as in the condition of medical that women are sexually assaulted spect for their right to decide about the facilities with regard for instance to when they are out alone at night; that course of the prosecution, in reality it confidentiality. We have also noticed a most rapists hide in dark alleys, wait- burdens the victims with the respon- range of attitudes among medical staff ing for a stranger to walk past; that sibility for prosecuting a close person about the right way of communicating rape is an impulsive, uncontrollable and exposes them to pressure under with survivors; whether with regard act of passion, that sexual assault is which they often revoke their consent to medical (gynaecological) examina- provoked by the victims, by their ac- (and a consent once revoked cannot tion, inquiring about their needs or tions, behaviours, or by the way they be granted again.) The legislators have about referrals to follow-up care. We dress; etc. These prejudices also play a tried to address this issue by adopting also register a lack of practical experi- role in preventing women from report- Section 163a of the criminal code that ence in working with victims of sexual ing rape: case reports show that many allows exceptions in situations where violation. This causes differing quali- women prefer to contact specialised the victim gives or withdraws consent ties or insufficient legally-admissible NGOs rather than police. Unfortunate- under obvious pressure or threat, or if evidence. ly, there are very few specialised pro- she clearly acts from a subordinate or viders of comprehensive care that pro- dependent position. How far this pro- Inadequacies both in training and in vide free direct psychological and legal vision really protects the victims who personal predispositions of police- of counsel to rape survivors in emergency are under pressure from their abusers ficers who deal with rape survivors situations. is questionable. have been noticed. Usual techniques to increase the survivor’s sense of Concluding remarks The provision for witness anonymity, safety and comfort, such as the pres- in the sense that his/her identity and ence of a close, supportive person or Identified critical gaps in the process personal data are not disclosed (even a psychologist, or assuring the survivor of addressing rape underlie and rein- though the aggressor knows the ap- of confidentiality, are not used. The force the traumatic experience of rape pearance of the victim, he/she does police typically issue only verbal in- survivors. Essential legal norms are in not have to know his/her name, ad- structions as a point of procedure, not place but they are not implemented. dress or have information about his/ paying much attention to whether the Existing legal norms must be better uti-

38 39 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011 lised and some need to be improved. It sible so that trust in all the institu- is necessary to foster an emphatic and tions meant to serve rape survivors Sources: well-informed approach of all profes- is established. Survivors must believe sionals who come into contact with that help is available to them wheth- - Below the Surface: Rape-related rape survivors. Training all relevant er they decide to report the crime or Facts and Myths within the ‘Stop Rape: professionals would prevent second- not. The notion that rape is an offence The Program for Rape Survivors´ Pro- ary victimisation. Other inadequacies that is indefensible must be accepted tection’ project are found in the successful detainment throughout society independently of - Czech CEDAW shadow report of the aggressor. specific institutions. For this to be true, Barbara Havelkova, A Few Reflections we must carefully protect the rights of on the Legal Provisions on Rape, 2010 The vital issue for survivors is trust. rape survivors and offer them quality Survivors are first violated by sexual help. - Jitka Čechová & Hana Jandová, ‘Short- aggressors and consequently, they are comings in Rape Survivor Care hurt by the inadequate means used to assist them. It is clear that changes in – Quality of Services for Rape Survivors the law, in the system and in aware- in the Czech Republic’, 2010 ness are not only necessary but pos- Happy, Healthy Women, not just Survivors By Associate Professor Jan Coles and Dr. Raie Goodwach, Medical Women’s International Association

A history of sexual trauma is asso- sault based on recommendations from Primary care is changing, to better ciated with poor long-term social a National Summit with community meet the needs of the population, wellbeing and physical and men- organisations, medical educators and chronic care models of care are be- tal health outcomes, an increase professional organisations, research- ing implemented for conditions like in risk behaviours and early death. ers and doctors. diabetes, with better long-term -out comes for patients. Wagner’s chronic The history is often not disclosed and In advocating for a long-term model of care model better links community although survivors are more likely to care, we are seeking healthcare servic- and medical services, and aims for in- use health services than non-victim- es that survivors of sexual assault can formed active patients and a prepared ised women, they may often not re- readily access across a lifetime. In or- and proactive healthcare team.2 ceive the treatment they need and der to provide such a service, to poten- require. Although there is research tially one third of the female and one Such a model could inform the devel- about psychological trauma and the sixth of the male population, it is logi- opment of better long-term care for impact on child and adult survivors, cal to use existing healthcare services sexual assault survivors through bet- there is a dearth of research detailing and base service provision in primary ter community and health professional an integrated holistic understanding of care. education, establishing better linkages the psychosocial, physiological and so- between community and healthcare cioeconomic impacts experienced by Current primary care services do not services, providing traditional medical survivors of sexual violence over the meet most survivors’ needs; health- and alternative options as part of ho- lifespan. care providers may not have the skills listic management (e.g. dance therapy, or the time to respond appropriately music therapy, meditation), greater The Happy Healthy Women Report1 and most providers do not inquire accessibility, opportunities for early advocates for a long term holistic mod- about a patient’s history of sexual intervention and continuity of care el of care for survivors of sexual as- abuse. Survivors may not recognise across a lifetime. 1 Australian Women’s Coalition, Australian the association between their current Federation of Medical Women, and Victorian health problems and their past sexual Medical Women’s Society, Happy Healthy abuse and often do not disclose their 2 Wagner, E., et al., Quality improvement in Women: Not Just survivors. Advocating for sexual abuse to their healthcare pro- chronic illness care: A collaborative approach. a long-term model of care for sexual assault Journal of Quality Improvement, 2001. 27(2): survivors. 2010, AWC: Sydney. viders. p. 63-80.

40 41 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

Photo by Rozenn Quéré - EWL Campaign ‘Together for a Europe Free From Prostitution Prostitution is Violence against Women - Let’s Refuse any Part in it!

By Pierrette Pape, EWL Policy Officer & Project Coordinator

All organisations working with prosti- tutes and to reduce the violence they Violence against women in prosti- tuted persons are aware of the level are subjected to. Some believe that it tution of violence they are subjected to on is the working conditions of prostitu- a daily basis; and are fighting for this tion that are at the root of the problem An international survey1 undertaken violence to be recognised as such, for and that if they are improved (by pro- by five NGOs in four countries (France, complaints made by prostitutes to be viding places with better protection, Austria, Spain and Italy), with the fi- addressed and for their attackers to relaxing the laws and granting a legal nancial support of the Daphne Pro- be judged and punished. As the vast status to prostitutes), it would reduce gramme, highlights the multiple forms majority of people in prostitution are the risk of violence for prostitutes. For of violence suffered by prostituted women, violent attacks in prostitu- the EWL and its members, it is the very women: tion are, in the main, attacks against existence of the system of prostitu- women, even though male prostitutes tion which enables violence against First of all, physical violence, which is are also subject to some types of vio- the prostituted person to take place mainly perpetrated by the prostitute- lence. Faced with this violence, social and, in order to reduce violent attacks users, but also by procurers, traffick- workers on the ground have in prostitution, we need to abolish ers and brothel owners. In the inter- developed opposing visions of the the system of prostitution because it, national research study undertaken policies that need to be put in place to in itself, is a form of violence against improve the day to day life of prosti- women. 1 Femmes et migrations en Europe, strategies et empowerment, Cabiria, 2004.

40 41 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011 by Melissa Farley2, 73% of prostituted into prostitution by someone close to lice officers who were found guilty of persons interviewed stated that they them. We can see from these cases a raping four young foreign prostitutes. had been subject to physical attacks clear link between rapes (in the plural) The report of the proceedings notes during prostitution and 62% reported during childhood, domestic abuse and that: ‘the facts are not an isolated that they had been raped. Between getting involved in prostitution. This case but represent widespread prac- one third and half of the women raped was described by Virginie Despentes tice amongst the members of their were raped repeatedly. Street pros- as ‘Rape makes the best hookers’.6 division’.10 And when the prostituted titutes were subject to a higher level persons are brave enough to com- of violence and assault but working as There is little discussion about the plain, the outcome is often not in their a prostitute in an enclosed space was mental health consequences associ- favour, as the majority of complaints not enough to avoid rapes and attacks. ated with repeated violent attacks. lodged do not end in conviction or are Prostitute-users were the most com- Approximately 68% of people inter- turned against them. One example of mon attackers regardless of the type of viewed by Melissa Farley7 met the cri- this was a case of rape and seques- prostitution. Almost all physical attacks teria for a diagnosis of Post Traumatic tration which took place in Toulouse were of a sexual nature. The presence Stress Disorder, also suffered by vic- (France) in 2004 where the outcome of alarm bells in the brothels to call for tims of torture or soldiers fighting in was that the attacker had to pay… 100 help is an emblematic example of the wars. The researcher Judith Trinquart euros for the price of the ‘service’. In latent violence of the system of pros- studied the psychological and physi- 2001, again in France, the Montpellier titution. cal consequences of prostitution: the Court of Appeal freed a man accused main psychological traumas, which of raping a prostitute: a ‘work-related For many women in prostitution, vio- take the form of psychological detach- accident’ according to the assistant lence is part of their everyday life and ment, are a result of being subjected public prosecutor. it is often one of the factors behind against their will to repeated sexual re- women getting involved in prostitu- lations.8 Finally, a Canadian report on Another form of violence against pros- tion. In a study carried out in Quebec prostitution and pornography conclud- tituted persons is the public eye – in- in 2003 on women street prostitutes,3 ed in 1985 that women prostitutes had sults, humiliating words, robberies, a quarter of the women interviewed a mortality rate 40 times higher than racist prejudice, as well as abuse from reported having been subject to mari- the national average.9 the media. A newspaper reported the tal violence before getting involved in story of the man who had to pay for the prostitution. The Feminist Collective Prostituted persons are also victims ‘service’ for having raped and locked against Rape in France4 reports that of ‘political abuse’ through repression up a prostituted woman thus: ‘Bizarre- since the launch of a free telephone by the state, which on the one hand ly, the prostitute made a complaint of help-line (Viols-Femmes-Information, adopts laws directly attacking pros- rape because she had not been paid’.11 (Rape-Women-Information) in 1986), tituted persons, while furthermore Bizarrely! The same approach was tak- whereas the people answering the denying rights to prostituted women en in April 2009 for another case12: ‘A phone did not ask any questions on or those who have experiences intol- 20-year old from Toulouse was taken this point, more than 380 people (in- erable institutionalised violence. In in for questioning after robbing a pros- cluding 88% of women) spontaneously France, the law on passive soliciting titute but also got a free sexual service declared that they had been or were has made the situation for prostitutes under threat of a knife’. ‘A free sexual still involved in prostitution.5 In this worse as it has forced them to move service under threat of a knife’ is not group, all of them had been subject into more isolated and dangerous ar- someone deciding not to pay – it is to serious sexual violence during their eas and portrays prostitutes as delin- called rape. childhood, all of them were pushed quants. Abuse from the police-force is widespread. Rape by police officers Violence is widespread in prostitu- 2 Melissa Farley et al., ‘Prostitution in five hit the headlines in September 2007 tion. This is not a coincidence. What countries: violence and post traumatic stress in France with the trial of seven po- happens in prostitution is not unique disorder’, Feminism and Psychology, 8, 1998 or different. It is part of what is hap- 3 Dominique Damant et al., « Trajectoires 6 In King Kong Théorie, Grasset, 2006 d’entrée en prostitution : violence, 7 ‘Violence against women and post-traumatic pening for all women in our societies. toxicomanie et criminalité », Le journal stress syndrome’, Women and Health, 1998 If we focus on violence against women international de victimologie, n°3, avril 2005 8 See the thesis of Judith Trinquart : http:// in prostitution, we must make the link 4 http://www.prostitutionetsociete.fr/societe/ ecvf.online.fr/IMG/pdf/Trinquart.pdf.pdf, with women in general, to keep an sexisme-egalite-hommes-et-femmes/cfcv-le- an dits manifesto : http://stopauxviolences. viol-un-moteur-pour-la blogspot.com/2010/01/article-du-dr-judith- 10 http://www.prostitutionetsociete.fr/ 5 On 5 April 2011, 40392 rape victims and trinquart-non-la.html. politiques-publiques/droits-des-personnes/ victims of other sexual attacks had called 9 Special Committee on Pornography and sept-crs-juges-pour-viols-sur-des the freephone number « Viols-Femmes- Prostitution, ‘Pornography and Prostitution in 11 La Dépêche du Midi, 7 October 2004 Information » ; http://www.cfcv.asso.fr/ Canada’, 1985 12 La Dépêche du Midi, 13 April 2009 42 43 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

overall view of society and to not ex- illusion of equality where many people After the fight against the ‘droit du clude the sector of prostitution from think that equality is a day-to-day re- seigneur’, incest, sexual harassment the rest of society and the balance of ality for all women and that feminists and rape, the system of prostitution power at play, whether it is sexist/pa- are exaggerating. The statistics and remains a place where men can con- triarchal, racist, classist or neo-liberal/ facts however prove that equality is tinue to use their domination and vio- capitalist. not a reality. Men are still in the major- lence against women while pretending ity in decision-making positions across that all parties are consenting. Money The system of prostitution is a the board. It is men who for centuries however does not create or guarantee form of violence against women have passed laws which are unequal equality. Paying for a sexual act is the or which are not favourable to wom- same as imposing it, of course not with The system of prostitution is not one en. Of course, men did take part in physical violence, but through mon- that is external to society; it is an in- the changes and the laws which have ey, i.e. financial domination. While tegral part of what we have created changed things in favour of equality we know that in Europe the poorest and what we continue to create every between women and men, but patriar- people are women, it is essential to day. Violence against persons involved chal structures still have a strong influ- make the link between the inequality in prostitution is directly related to ence on their implementation or pre- between women and men and access violence against women more gener- vent other laws from being developed. to financial resources and work, with ally. These acts are not isolated but The phenomenon of violence against men’s control the bodies and sexuality rather the result of a patriarchal and women is an emblematic example: of women. Therefore, paying for a sex- historical system institutionalising the while rape is recognised as a crime in ual relation is a type of violence, as it domination of women by men and the more and more countries and there is part of a relationship which is intrin- unequal social relationships between is an increase in awareness amongst sically unequal between two people, women and men. Violence against women of their right to report offenc- most often between a man who has women is both the cause and the con- es, women’s associations report per- the money and a woman who needs it. sequence of inequality between wom- sistent impunity of perpetrators of this en and men; and women’s vulnerabil- violence.13 Prostitution in itself with its commer- ity is not only a symptom of violence cial nature servicing male domination against women, it is also associated The recognition, in politics, of the is therefore a form of violence against with the omnipresent discrimination structural nature of violence against women: money makes women’s bod- in our patriarchal societies. women, i.e. the fact that these at- ies a commodity which the prostitute- tacks are a tool of male domination, user takes full possession of, going be- The issue of prostitution is directly was very difficult to achieve. In Eu- yond what is prohibited by society in related to equality between women rope, it was only from the 1950’s that its efforts to realise equality between and men and it is important to keep countries started becoming aware of women and men and fight against vio- reminding ourselves of this link and this crime and to recognise it as such. lence against women. to include it in the fight for women’s Next came the recognition of marital rights and above all the right of all hu- rape as a crime and the abolition of If indeed these acts of physical and man beings, whether women or men, the marital right to sexual intercourse, psychological violence occurred in an- to live without violence. which only occurred very recently other context, they would be consid- for some countries (1990 for France ered as sexual attacks, cruelty, abuse Over the last sixty years, the women’s for example). Something we took for and rape. Why is it that when they oc- movement has made it possible to granted is not so straightforward. Is cur within prostitution, they are not achieve rights which had been denied it easy nowadays to talk about being considered as such? Is it the money (or never granted) to women: the right raped, beaten or sexually harassed that makes them different? to vote, the right to education, the in work? How many more remarks of right to financial independence by de- the type ‘she was looking for it’ do we Prostitution, a man’s affair manding access to a personal bank ac- have to hear? Even when the victim count, the right to equal pay for equal was wearing tight jeans… (a reference Let’s talk now about men, who are of- work, the right to divorce, the right to to an English case in 201114). ten left out of the debates and invisible contraception, to abortion, the right when we speak of prostitution. And to maternity and parental leave, the 13 CWASU, Different systems, similar yet, they are the majority of ‘buyers’. outcomes? Tracking attrition in reported rape right to stand for election. In short, cases in eleven countries, April 2009 And as we know well, the market al- there have been many steps forward 14 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ ways seeks to meet demand and this but many of these exist in law but not worldnews/article-1270113/Youre-guilty-rape- includes a demand for ‘sexual services’. enough in practice. Today, there is an Those-skinny-jeans-tight-remove-jury-rules. It is rare that we question the origin of html 42 43 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011 this demand – as if it was not to be men, where violence has become ba- we prepared to push the analysis of questioned. And yet, what brings men nal: 54% of clients admit to having the origins of this violence? Is it pos- to pay for sexual relations, or to be vio- displayed aggressive behaviour of a sible to fight against this male violence lent with prostituted women, whether sexual nature towards a partner who while at the same time allowing men they are prostitute-users, traffickers or was not a prostitute.17 One example access to the bodies of some women? brothel owners? of an ad for a Spanish strip club: ‘She won’t say anything if you sleep with We all agree that we have to fight The sociologist Saïd Bouamama dem- one of her friends. She can wait for you against violence in the world, violence onstrated elements of the answer twelve hours a day and still be ready; against women and against prosti- in the survey which he conducted in she won’t ask you where you are com- tuted persons. Yet, the very existence 2004 on ‘clients’15: revenge, the wish ing from, nor who you have been with; of the system of prostitution in the to find a place to be able to dominate you can ask her whatever you want 21st Century brings up this question: and hating women are the motivating and she won’t get angry. If you don’t what type of image are we projecting factors pushing men towards pros- understand what she is saying, it’s not of our societies which accept to buy titution. A study completed in Great important.’ What kind of a relationship and sell some of their members? It is Britain in 200916 found that for a quar- between women and men can we ex- urgent that we condemn this violence ter of all men interviewed (27%), the pect in a society which tolerates this against prostituted persons but at the concept of rape as applied to a pros- type of ‘market’? same time we must continue to see it tituted woman is simply ‘ridiculous’. within the context of the ongoing vio- Prostitutes ‘cannot be raped’. Once These facts clearly show the persis- lence of men against women, which he has paid, the prostitute-user feels tence of strong patriarchal images proves that prostitution is a tool of a like he, in some way, is entitled to do in our societies where men have the patriarchal society. The recognition of whatever he wants. Furthermore, us- right to control the bodies and sexual- the system of prostitution as violence ing prostitutes seems to produce in ity of women, to have access to them against women and its abolition is a some men an unequal perception of whenever and however they feel like prerequisite for achieving true equal- the relationship between women and it. Nevertheless, policies at all levels ity between women and men. (both national and European) claim to 15 http://www.mouvementdunid.org/Les- clients-en-question-Enquete-d want to fight violence against women Main source: ‘Prostitution: Violence with 16 Melissa Farley, Julie Bindel and Jacqueline and produce many declarations of in- no name’, Prostitution et Société (a quar- M. Golding, ‘Men who buy sex. Who they buy tent to this purpose. But how far are terly publication by the Mouvement du and what they know. A research study of 103 Nid), n°168 and 169, January – June 2010 men who describe their use of trafficked and 17 Montoo, Mac Ree, ‘A comparison of the non-trafficked women in prostitution, and male customers of female street prostitutes their awareness of coercion and violence’, with national samples of men’, International Prostitution Research and Education et Eaves, Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative 2009 Criminology, 2005

End Prostitution Now is a campaign led by Glasgow City Council which aims to raise awareness of the harm caused through prostitution and put the focus on the buyers of sex - the DEMAND - who have in the past been invisible from public debate.

44 45 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011 The Effects of Different Legisla- tive Approaches to Prostitution on Persons in Prostitution, and Society in General

By Andrea Matolcsi, MONA Foundation for the Women of Hungary

In Europe, there is currently a big debate regarding whether Prostitutes interviewed in Germany do not consider the regulation or the abolition approach to prostitution is the new law to have improved their legal, social or eco- more protective of women’s rights, including the rights of nomic situation.3 According to the Dutch government- prostitutes. Regulationists consider that prostitution isa commissioned Daadler report of 2007, prostitutes’ job; in regulationist systems the organising of prostitution ‘emotional well being is now lower than in 2001 onall is legalised as are venues of prostitution such as brothels; measured aspects, and the use of sedatives has increased.’4 procuring is de-facto decriminalised. Abolitionists on the other hand consider prostitution a form of violence against Women in prostitution are not provided with adequate al- women; in abolitionist systems, procuring and prostitute- ternatives. In the Netherlands, the above-mentioned 2007 users are criminalised (but not the prostitute). study found that ‘only 6% of the municipalities reported that their policy pays attention to the subject of the pos- This article compares the situation in two EU countries sibilities to leave the prostitution business.’5 which have opted for regulation with that of Sweden, which has taken an abolitionist approach. It shows that existing Abolition in Sweden research, as well as contacts with local social workers and law-enforcement officials, support the argument that regu- In 1999, Sweden took a very different approach, being the lation worsens the situation of persons in prostitution in first country to pass a law criminalising those who purchase terms of their physical and mental health and social stand- or attempt to purchase sexual services. It is important to ing, while legislation based on an abolitionist approach has note that the law does not punish persons in prostitution in positive effects in these areas. any way. This reflects the Swedish approach, which consid- ers prostitution to be a form of violence against women and Regulation in Germany and the Netherlands therefore a gender equality issue, and asserts that there can be no real gender equality as long as there is prostitu- The Netherlands lifted its ban on brothels in 2000. In 2002, tion. In 2010, the Swedish government released a report6 Germany decriminalised procuring for purposes of prostitu- evaluating the law since it came into effect. The evaluation tion, widened the legal basis for establishing brothels and found that: other prostitution businesses, lifted the prohibition against The prevalence of prostitution has declined. The number of promoting prostitution and gave women the right to con- persons, mainly women, in street prostitution in Sweden has tracts and benefits in prostitution establishments. Since Ministry of Security and Justice), 2007, www.wodc.nl/images/ob249a_ then, in both countries, government, police and NGO re- fulltext_tcm44-83466.pdf, p. 13. ports have found the following: 3 Sozialwissenschaftliches FrauenForschungsInstitut an der Evangelischen Fachhochschule Freiburg, The Act Regulating the The situation of women in prostitution has not improved. Legal Situation of Prostitutes – implementation, impact, current developments, 2007, http://www.turnofftheredlight.ie/wp-content/ Despite the new law in Germany, most prostitutes still work uploads/2011/02/Germany-prostitution-report_englisch.pdf; and under poor conditions. The majority of the money they Emilija Mitrovic, Working in the sex industry. earn goes to pimps and ‘managers’.1 In the Netherlands, 4 A.L. Daalder, Prostitution in the Netherlands Since the Lifting of the the number of prostitutes with pimps has not decreased.2 Brothel Ban, p. 15. 5 Ibid. 1 Emilija Mitrovic, Working in the sex industry: Report on the findings 6 En utvärdering. Förbud mot köp av sexuell tjänst (SOU 2010:49) of a field research ‘Social change in dealing with prostitution since the (1999-2008). http://regeringen.se/content/1/c6/14/91/42/ed1c91ad. new legislation’s entry into force on 1.1.2002’, 2004, p. 3. pdf . Summary in English: Government Offices of Sweden. Evaluation of 2 A.L. Daalder, Prostitution in the Netherlands Since the Lifting of the ban on purchase of sexual services [online] (2010). www.sweden. the Brothel Ban, WODC (Research and Documentation Centre, Dutch gov.se/sb/d/13358/a/149231 . 44 45 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011 halved since 1999, while in the neigh- the criminalisation of sex purchases.’9 the Norwegian police to monitor the bouring countries of Denmark and Indeed, according to a 2008 study, the industry and catch pimps and traffick- Norway – in which the prevalence of number of Swedish men who have ers.12 street prostitution was about the same bought someone for the purpose of as in Sweden before it introduced its prostitution decreased from 13.6% in Beyond the circle of those involved in 1999 ban – the number increased dra- 1996 to 7.8% in 2008, and a number the system of prostitution, it should matically, and by 2008 was estimated of respondents stated that the ban on also be noted that the legal situation to be three times higher than in Swe- purchasing sexual services affected has a strong impact on respect for den.7 It should be noted that there is them to the extent that they no longer women’s rights and gender equality no evidence of an increase in sex tour- bought sexual services at all.10 more widely. For example, the experi- ism by Swedish men going abroad to ence of the US state of Nevada clearly purchase sexual services,8 and there- The conditions for persons in prostitu- demonstrates that tolerance for pros- fore of the increase in street prostitu- tion have not worsened. Regarding an- titution has an impact on social tol- tion in neighbouring countries as being other concern voiced before the intro- erance for violence against women. caused – or at least significantly con- duction of the law, the inquiry did not Nevada is one of the few US states to tributed to – by a demand from Swed- find that social workers and authori- have legalised prostitution in some of ish ‘sex tourism.’ The government ties had more difficulties in accessing its counties. In 2007, rape rates were report goes on to state that, in addi- persons in prostitution or that the situ- over five times higher in those coun- tion to the reduction in street prosti- ation for persons in prostitution wors- ties with legalised prostitution than tution, there is also no evidence of an ened as an effect of the ban.11 elsewhere. This data does not support increase in indoor prostitution in Swe- the myth that legalised (regulated) den. Although there was an increase in Conclusion prostitution may reduce sexual as- prostitution through the internet, this trend can be seen in all countries; fur- No doubt inspired by the positive ef- 12 Presentation by Birgitte Ellefsen, Head of thermore, the number of individuals fects of the Swedish legislation, Nor- the Coordination Unit for Victims of Trafficking sold for prostitution purposes via the way and Iceland in 2009 both passed (KOM) in Norway at the conference ‘Legal internet increased to a greater extent laws banning the purchase of sexual and institutional conditions for combating prostitution and trafficking for the purpose in neighbouring countries. The report services, and Ireland and France are of sexual exploitation—Hungarian and concludes therefore that ‘the halving currently considering doing the same. international experiences’ organised by of street prostitution that took place Law-enforcement officials in Norway MONA Foundation for the Women of Hungary in Sweden represents a real reduc- have reported similar positive effects in Budapest, Hungary on March 9, 2010. A tion in prostitution (t)here, and that summary of the presentation can be found in: of the law in the approximately two Legislation, rights protection and assistance. this reduction is also mainly a result of years that it has been in effect, includ- Development of Inter-disciplinary Cooperation ing the reduction of prostitution, as in Hungary to Combat Prostitution and well the fact that it is now easier for Trafficking for the Purpose of Sexual 7 Ibid., p. 35. Exploitation and to Support Victims (Project 8 Gunilla S. Ekberg, Kasja Wahlberg, ‘The Summary), MONA Foundation (2010), ) Swedish Approach: A European Union Country 9 Ibid., pp. 35-36. http://www.mona-hungary.hu/kepek/ Fights Sex Trafficking’, Solutions Journal, 10 Gunilla and Wahlberg, ‘The Swedish upload/2010-11/Legislation_rights%20 Volume 2: Issue 2: Mar 02, 2011, http://www. Approach.’ protection%20and%20assistance_MONA%20 thesolutionsjournal.org/node/895 11 Ibid., pp. 37-38. Foundation.pdf, pp. 20-21.

46 47 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

saults by providing a legitimate outlet in prostitution herself.13 It is time that we take a stand for the abolition of for men’s ‘sexual desires’; rather they prostitution, for the sake of those who support the assertion that legalised 13 Chrystal Ruggieri, Terance D. Miethe and are consistently and brutally exploited Timothy C. Hart, Rape and other Sex Offenses prostitution may increase a woman’s in Nevada, 1990-2007, State Data Brief, by this system, for women and society risk of sexual victimisation, irrespec- University of Nevada Las Vegas, July 2009. as a whole. tive of whether she is directly involved CACS 2009-01-03EN, http://www.unlv.edu/ centers/crimestats/SDBs/Rape/Rape%20in%20 Nevada%20v4.pdf . The Urgency of a Gendered EU Action on Tackling Trafficking in Human Beings

By Pierrette Pape, EWL Policy Officer & Project Coordinator and Andrea Matolcsi, MONA Foundation for the Women of Hungary

Trafficking in women for sexual exploi- in women into the sex-industry are dif- an end to gender-based violence as tation in the sex industry remains the ferent from the push and pull factors a priority area last year and the Anti- most dominant form of trafficking in that fuel trafficking for labour exploita- Trafficking Directive which recognises Europe today. While women are also tion in, for example, construction work the gendered nature of trafficking in trafficked for labour exploitation, in and in the agricultural sector. Among March 2011, there is growing momen- particular for exploitation in domes- the push factors making women vul- tum for a gender-sensitive approach to tic work, the most prevailing form of nerable to trafficking and exploitation trafficking in human beings. I believe trafficking in women and girls remains are poverty, gender inequalities and that the recently adopted Directive in- for the purpose of sexual exploitation. violence against women. Among the corporates a very comprehensive and According to a 2009 UNODC report, pull factors, there is the demand for holistic approach whereby the EU is globally, women are reported to be trafficked women in the destination sending a clear message of zero toler- victims in approximately 79% of traf- countries through the expansion of ance to criminals while placing the traf- ficking cases (this includes all types the sex-industry, mainly prostitution ficked person at the centre. The Com- of trafficking).1 Furthermore, UNODC markets and the porn industry. mission will ensure that this approach data shows that in 85% of cases where is integrated in all policy areas relevant women were reported to be the vic- Growing momentum for a gender- to trafficking. It is important to foster tims of trafficking, they were trafficked sensitive EU approach to traffick- every stakeholder’s awareness of the for sexual exploitation and in 2% of the ing in human beings role of gender in increasing vulnerabil- incidents for forced labour, while 13% ity to trafficking, fuelling exploitation of cases included both types of exploi- The EU has recently decided to de- and influencing the effectiveness of 2 tation. vote more political work to the issue assistance and support.’ of trafficking by appointing an EU Anti- It is important therefore to recognise Trafficking Coordinator. The EWL met For the EWL, having a gender-sensi- that trafficking in human beings isa with Ms Myria Vassiliadou to discuss tive approach also includes ensuring highly gendered phenomenon, and the lack of an EU gendered approach that gender-disaggregated data is col- that women and men are being traf- in the field of trafficking in human be- lected, that services are tailored to ficked into different situations. The ings. ‘The EU recognises trafficking the needs of women victims (e.g. in- ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors for trafficking in women as a form of gender-based cluding access to reproductive health violence and putting an end to it is a services), that women’s rights NGOs 1 UNODC, Global Report on Trafficking priority of EU policies in the fields of are involved in all aspects of support in Persons (2009), p. 11. gender, development cooperation and and assistance for victims, including 2 Kristiina Kangaspunta, Mapping human rights. With the adoption of the identification and development of the inhuman trade: preliminary findings of services, and that there is a gender the database on trafficking in human beings, Strategy for Equality between Women Forum on Crime and Society, vol. 3, Nos. 1 and and Men 2010-2015 which includes perspective in training for profession- 2, December 2003. als dealing with trafficking (e.g. police, 46 47 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011 social workers, health and education ing in Sweden is ‘in considered to be The need for an EU financial com- services). substantially smaller in scale than in mitment to implement its political other comparable countries. Accord- stance Both the European Union Directive on ing to the National Criminal Police, it Trafficking exists because exploitation trafficking3 as well as the Council of is clear that the ban on the purchase is profitable. According to a 2007 Eu- Europe Convention on Action against of sexual services acts as a barrier to ropol report,9 the global profits from Trafficking in Human Beings4 recog- human traffickers and procurers con- trafficking were 31,6 billion US dol- nise that demand reduction, albeit in sidering establishing themselves in lars, while profits made from victims more general terms, should be part of Sweden.’5 At the same time, govern- of sexual exploitation were 27,8 billion an integrated strategy against traffick- ment and NGO reports show that in US dollars. Trafficking and the exploita- ing. In terms of trafficking for sexual countries where prostitution is regu- tion of human beings require minimal exploitation, many actors are reluctant lated (e.g. pimping, brothels are legal- financial or other investment and pro- to recognise that there is a link to the ised), such as in the Netherlands and duce a big profit. Victims are recruited demand for women in ‘prostitution Germany, this approach has not been through outright violence, but also de- markets’ in the destination countries. proven to reduce trafficking and- or ceit, emotional/psychological coercion Without the demand for women in the ganised crime surrounding the sex in- and debt bondage, methods which are sex-industry, there would be no busi- dustries. According to a 2009 report by low cost or cost-free in terms of mon- ness for pimps, and as a result no need the German Federal Police,6 investiga- ey, but also in terms of time. It doesn’t for a ‘supply’ chain. No demand, no tions into cases of sex trafficking have take long to recruit women and girls supply, no trafficking. increased by 70% over a 5 year period into prostitution, especially those who (2005-2009), therefore demonstrating are young, have a weak social support Decriminalisation of procuring and that the phenomenon is still real and network, lower levels of education, increase of trafficking in women: present. A federal government evalu- few employment perspectives, little to an obvious relationship ation found that the German Prosti- no alternatives for survival,10 a back- tution Act has failed ‘to reduce crime ground of physical and/or sexual abuse 7 Increasingly, evaluation reports on the in the world of prostitution.’ In 2008, and/or neglect,11 and in general belong models that regulate prostitution show the National Dutch Police carried out to marginalised groups in society, e.g. 8 that in those countries where the fo- a study on human trafficking in the ethnic minority and migrant women. cus is to curb the demand, trafficking legalized prostitution sector. The re- in women for sexual exploitation is less searchers estimated that 50 to 90 per- While pimps and traffickers are making prevalent than in countries that have cent of women in legalized brothels huge profits on little investment, the legalised/institutionalised prostitution were ‘working involuntarily.’ Based on EU is not devoting many resources to as a form of work. There are different these estimates, the Amsterdam legal strategies to curb the demand in the brothel sector alone would ‘employ’ 9 Europol, Trafficking Human Beings in the sex industry, which include targeting 4,000 victims of human trafficking an- European Union: a Europol Perspective (2007), the pimps and brothel-owners, raising nually. The report also stated that ‘The p. 4. 10 In a 2003, 9-country study, 9 out of 10 awareness and changing of attitudes, idea that a clean, normal business sec- tor has emerged is an illusion...’ women in prostitution interviewed wanted as well as establishing administrative to exit the system of prostitution but felt penalties for buyers or criminalising unable to do so because they have no other the purchase of sexual services. options for survival (Farley , M. et al (2003). Prostitution and Trafficking in Nine Countries: An Update on Violence and Posttraumatic For example, in 1999 Sweden became Stress Disorder. Journal of Trauma Practice, the first country to criminalise the Vol. 2, No. 3/4, 2003, pp. 33-74. purchase (and attempted purchase) 5 En utvärdering. Förbud mot köp av sexuell 11 Large numbers of women in prostitution of sexual services. A 2010 govern- tjänst (SOU 2010:49) (1999-2008). Summary report having been victims of violence prior in English: Government Offices of Sweden. to entering prostitution, including sexual, ment evaluation of the effects of the Evaluation of the ban on purchase of sexual physical and verbal abuse by family members, law found that the scale of traffick- services [online] (2010), p. 37. acquaintances and partners. One study on 6 Bundeskriminalamnt: Bundeslagebild childhood sexual abuse in adult life showed 3 Directive 2011/36/EU of the European Menschenhandel 2009. that people who reported childhood rape Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 7 Janice Raymond, ‘Trafficking, Prostitution compared with people who did not were four on preventing and combating trafficking in and the Sex Industry: The Nordic Legal Model’, times more likely to be working as prostitutes human beings and protecting its victims, 21 July 2010. (Ziegler S, et al., (1991). Adult survivors of and replacing Council Framework Decision 8 Korps landelijke politiediensten, Schone childhood sexual abuse and subsequent risk 2002/629/JHA. Schijn, cited in Gunilla S. Ekberg, Kasja of HIV infection. American Journal of Public 4 Council of Europe, Convention on Wahlberg, ‘The Swedish Approach: A European Health, 81(5)). preventing and combating violence against Union Country Fights Sex Trafficking’, Solutions women and domestic violence. Journal, Volume 2: Issue 2: Mar 02, 2011. 48 49 European Women’s Voice - SPRING 2011

the fight against trafficking in women its fragmentation and lack of sustain- Programme, which is an essential tool and violence against women. What is ability. Myria Vassiliadou offers the fol- to support actions to end violence available, however, needs to be better lowing advice: ‘The financial support against women, including trafficking in used. Myria Vassiliadou gives informa- offered by the EU is a powerful tool, women, should be strengthened, with tion about the available funding pro- yet many organisations are apprehen- more funding made available and a vided by the EU: ‘One of the main tools sive of or feel they do not have the ca- stronger emphasis on violence against of the European Commission in pre- pacity for the complex and time-con- women in addition to its other target venting trafficking in women and pro- suming process to get funding. Many groups of children and young persons; tecting its victims is the financial -sup organisations have implemented im- despite this, its existence currently port it offers. Of particular importance pressive and valuable projects but I be- seems threatened due to arbitrary to addressing trafficking in human be- lieve we should be widening the pool budget reductions. Any genuine EU ac- ings is the ISEC funding programme of of organisations we fund further as tion to eradicate trafficking in human DG Home Affairs on the Prevention of this would be beneficial to EU policy, beings has to provide concrete finan- and Fight against Crime. Further, there the organisations involved and, most cial support, so that it does not remain is the DAPHNE programme which aims importantly, the victims of trafficking an empty declaration. We hope that specifically at the prevention of, and in human beings. I would therefore like the EU’s decision to appoint an EU An- the fight against, all forms of violence to really encourage you to seek EU fi- ti-Trafficking Coordinator is a sign of a occurring in the public or the private nancial support if you believe there is a genuine European political will to com- domain against children, young people need for a certain project or you have mit the necessary resources – includ- and women, including trafficking in hu- an innovative idea and your organisa- ing financial – to truly and effectively man beings, through preventive mea- tion can bring its experience to bear. tackle trafficking in women. sures as well as support and protection We need your expertise, originality for victims and groups at risk. Other and understanding of the situation on funding is available for actions in third the ground to move EU policy forward countries, including in the European and to fight the crime of trafficking in neighbourhood. Examples are the Eu- human beings.’ ropean Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights, the Investing in People In a context of animated discussions programme and the Thematic Program surrounding the EU financial perspec- for Migration and Asylum.’ tives after 2014, women’s organisa- tions fear a reduction of EU support Despite the variety of options, organ- for actions aiming at combating vio- isations have consistently been point- lence against women and trafficking ing out the complexity of EU funding, in women. For example, the Daphne

48 49 EWL Actions and ••• Projects on Violence © Creative Commons Unless otherwise indicated, all the articles in this publication are authorised for reproduction, upon the condition that against Women the European Women’s Lobby and article author(s) are properly credited.

••• EWL lobbying for EU action on vio- EWL lobbying for the ratification of lence against women the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence The European Women’s Lobby is lob- against women and domestic vio- This publication is supported by bying to see a comprehensive EU lence DG Employment, Social Affairs and policy framework on eliminating violence Equal Opportunities of the European Commission. Its funding is provided for against women in Europe, including the The EWL believes that the EU should rat- under the European Community establishment of a European Year to end Programme for Employment and Social ify the convention finalised in 2011, to- Solidarity (2007-2013). This programme violence against women. The EWL has gether with all EU Member States of the was established to financially support the therefore initiated a broad European ad- Council of Europe. implementation of the objectives of the vocacy movement to this end, gathering European Union in the employment and social affairs area, as set out in the Social NGOs and decision-makers. This Europe- EWL Barometer on National Action Agenda, and thereby contribute to the an Coalition will be active in lobbying rel- Plans on violence against women achievement of the Lisbon Strategy goals evant decision-makers to ensure that the in these fields. For more information see: http://ec.europa.eu voice of its members will be heard. Check The European Women’s Lobby has been The information contained in this out our website for more information! publication does not necessarily reflect working in close cooperation with the the position or opinion of the European experts of the EWL Observatory on vio- Commission. EWL campaign ‘Together for a lence against women to come up with an Europe free from prostitution’ original mapping report (Barometer) of ••• National Action Plans on violence against Editorial and publication coordination: The EWL is running a campaign at Euro- women. The Barometer provides a Eu- Pierrette Pape & Leanda E. Barrington- pean level to raise awareness on prosti- ropean overview of national actions on Leach tution as a form of male violence against violence against women and compares Graphic design: Aurore de Boncourt & women, and advocating at EU level for European countries with regards to their Leanda E. Barrington-Leach the abolition of the system of prostitu- commitment to eradicate violence against Translation: Léa Bareil, Gaelle Chevalier, tion. Check out for campaign material on women. In this context, the EWL Barom- Virginie Delcarte, Marion Diagre, Marthe the EWL website, including the video clip eter reflects women’s organisations’ call Fates, Anna Gautheron, Fanny Gauttier, Audrey Grandjean, Linda Manceau, Susan by Frédérique Pollet Rouyer and Patric for concrete policy action at European O’Flaherty, Inger Palm-Horter, Pierrette Jean! level to build a Europe free from all forms Pape, Claire Piot, Moema Rosa, Alexandra of male violence against women. Tiry, Laetitia Veriter, Ilaria Volpe •••

EWL President: Brigitte Triems EWL Secretary General: Cécile Gréboval